Netball New Zealand feared losing more than just one top flight international player to the new Australian domestic competition.
The veteran mid-courter Laura Langman has signed with Sunshine Coast for the new 2017 competition ruling her ineligible for the Silver Ferns.
Laura Langman Photo: Photosport
Netball New Zealand says if players want to play for the Silver Ferns they must be based here.
Netball New Zealand's high performance manager Steve Lancaster said they were concerned more players leading players would giving up playing for the Silver Ferns.
"Absolutely we were concerned about that," said Lancaster.
"At the point it became there were going to be two separate competitions on either side of the Tasman there was a very real prospect that a multitude of players would be considering their options and at that point were were really proactive in meeting with our players....and we're really pleased with the level of commitment from our players to play in New Zealand next year," he said.
Steve Lancaster of Netball New Zealand is confident top domestic players won't be lured overseas. Photo: Photosport
Lancaster said Langman had kept them informed on of her plans all along and believes come 2018 and the Commonwealth Games could be back in New Zealand.
"She's done a lot for the game ...and absolutely goes with our best wishes and she understands the ramifications of her decision for next but Laura is a great athlete and I wouldn't rule out seeing Laura in the black dress again if she returns to play in New Zealand."
