In a surprising turn of events, Casey Kopua’s return to the court at 40 years old was abruptly halted by injury during a competitive match on May 3, 2026. Playing for Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic, she suffered a lower leg injury while facing the Northern Stars in Auckland.
The Magic lost to the Stars with a final score of 56-39. At halftime, the Magic trailed by just three goals, but everything changed in the second half. After Kopua left the game early in the third quarter, the Stars scored 17 points, pulling away decisively.
Kopua had been brought in as an interim replacement for Oceane Maihi due to injuries within the team. Her presence on the court had been promising; she showcased her skills by blocking shots and intercepting passes, demonstrating that age had not diminished her talent.
Before her injury, observers noted that “Kopua was in vintage form with her ability over the ball.” However, as she hobbled off the court, it became clear that her return would be short-lived. She was replaced by Oceane Maihi after sustaining the injury.
This match was part of the ongoing ANZ Premiership, where the Northern Stars now hold three wins and one loss after four rounds. The Magic’s performance has been mixed this season, and they will need to regroup quickly.
As for Aliyah Dunn from Southern Steel, she likely sustained a calf tear in a previous match, adding more uncertainty to team line-ups across the league.
The impact of Kopua’s injury is felt not just on the scoreboard but also among fans and teammates who have long admired her contributions to New Zealand netball. Leana de Bruin and Grace Walsh will be looking to fill any gaps left by her absence as they push forward in their upcoming matches.
