One of New Zealand's most decorated netballers spoken out about the state of the sport, as she prepares for her domestic swansong this weekend.
Former Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua will retire after July's World Cup in the UK, and Sunday's game between her Magic and the Mystics will be the last time she plays at home in Hamilton.
But Kopua remains as passionate about the game off the court as she is on it.
Kopua's relishing the chance to share her final game on the Magic's homecourt with her community.
"Potentially, it could be the kids one day being a role model or playing a sport that they love and just sharing it with the community," Kopua told Newshub.
And it's that love for the game that runs deep.
So deep, Kopua's unconvinced New Zealand's domestic scene is thriving without regular games against Australian teams.
"They are number one - they do things differently. The more you're exposed to it, the better you can be at it."
That exposure helped Kopua's Magic win the 2012 trans-Tasman competition - a career highlight for the 33-year old.
It made her a better Silver Fern and she's concerned the current generation are missing out.
"If you could get that day-in, day-out, it wouldn't be so much of a jump going from Magic to Silver Ferns.
But for now, Kopua's focused on ending a domestic career that's seen her play over 180 games for her beloved Magic.
Her 17 years of service are set to be recognised with the venue for Sunday's finale renamed the Casey Kopua Arena.
"I try not to think about it," she said. "I just want to play."
In fact, Kopua is kind of embarrassed about the whole stadium name deal – she would prefer some food and beverage vouchers.
"Maybe you can go get some hot chips for free or something - you don't have to pay for it. That'll be cool."
Newshub.
Watch Newshub's exclusive interview with Casey Kopua on this week's Super Sport Sunday and the full interview on newshub.co.nz
