OPINION: Wednesday night's Constellation Cup test is shaping up to be Maria Folau's final match in the black dress in this country, and I hope New Zealand can see it for what it is.
Folau's shown her hand with her decision to not sign with an Australian club for the 2020 Super League. You would have to assume that decision will most likely see Folau step into retirement – with matches in Australia (Constellation Cup) and England (Northern Tour – if she decides to play) the final hurrah for the 147-cap veteran.
It's hard to imagine the Silver Ferns selection panel would pick a player who wasn't playing any domestic netball as part of their national squad next year.
If that is the case, Folau will undoubtedly go down as one of - if not, the – best shooters this country has ever seen. Her precision from distance is second to none, not only in this country, but across world netball.
Not many can say they contributed as much to the sport than Folau in this country. She is the Silver Ferns second most-capped player (behind Laura Langman) she has won everything there is to win in the game. Two Commonwealth Games gold medals, multiple domestic and Fast Five titles, and a World Cup gold.
Folau's achievements haven't been lost on her teammates, particularly the younger crop for whom she's long been a source of inspiration.
"The amount Maria has contributed for New Zealand - you can’t really measure it," Folau's shooting partner Ameliaranne Ekanasio told Newshub.
"It's so massive and for me to come in while she's still playing is a real privilege and it's an honour to play with her".
Folau has kept a low profile since her husband Israel Folau engaged in a legal battle with former employers Rugby Australia over his anti-gay social media posts in May.
She has respectfully declined media since and, you know what, fair enough.
But that may be a contributing factor as to why she doesn’t yet wish to announce anything publically. She realises that if she does it could bring unwelcome attention and potentially open herself up to questioning about her husband's infamous exploits.
Maybe I'm being selfish on New Zealand's behalf here, but her contributions to the sport in this country are deserving of a proper send-off from the Kiwi public. If she is planning to call time on her netball career, a heads-up would be appreciated.
When I asked Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua if this would be Folau's final game in a black dress in New Zealand, she wasn't sure.
"I know that she's really enjoyed her time here (in the Silver Ferns) and the environment is something that has been successful." Taurua said.
"Obviously her contribution to netball has been amazing so we'll take it one step at a time and then she'll make that decision (retiring from International netball) when it's right for her."
Taurua's comments suggest she's also unaware what Folau's plans are.
Regardless, opportunities are running out to see New Zealand netball player number 134 in the flesh.
If Folau plays in every match this Constellation Cup series, she'll bring up 150 caps in the black dress.
It would be a fitting way to bow out of the international game, but the Kiwi sporting legend is worthy of so much more.
Join us for live updates of NZ v Australia from 7:30pm Wednesday
Michael O'Keeffe is a Newshub sports reporter
