Commonwealth Games: Silver Ferns to unleash cross-code star Kate Heffernan at Birmingham

The Silver Ferns are excited to unleash cross-code star Kate Heffernan, after the uncapped midcourter was a surprise inclusion in the Commonwealth Games squad for Birmingham.

The 22-year-old is expected to feature in the upcoming Quad Series, which begins on Wednesday, just four years after she represented New Zealand in cricket.

Heffernan is determined to be a dual-international star, and looks to Suzie Bates as inspiration for being a cross-code success.

She was a standout for the Southern Steel in the ANZ Premiership this season, and comes from strong sporting genes with mother Anette a former world champion with the Silver Ferns.

Heffernan had to interrupt her mother's grocery shop to share her shock selection, but the coaches are adamant she belongs.

She admits it took courage to pursue netball fulltime after forging a successful cricket career, but is already seeing her decision pay off, with a chance to win gold with the Silver Ferns.

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