Predominantly a goal defence, Canterbury’s Brenda Rowberry was a classic anticipatory defender through her efforts on the guarded shot or through court ball during her time in the 1969 and 1970-71 Silver Ferns teams.

Not overly tall for an in-circle defender, Rowberry was an opportunist who thrived on the back of her skill level, jumping ability and speed in forming a formidable defensive combination with Tilly Hirst.

A strong all-round player, Rowberry won plenty of turnover ball through her tenacity, quick vision and quick thinking. Her strengths on the Netball court were helped by an athletic background where she competed in shot put, discus and javelin and was one of the only players of the era who trained with weights.

A popular character through her great sense of fun, Rowberry played in the two-Test home series against Australia in 1969 and was re-selected for the 1970-71 Silver Ferns team which finished runners-up at the third Netball World Cup in Jamaica.

Rowberry and daugther Anna Stanley (Silver Fern #110) are one of two sets of mother/daughters to play for the Silver Ferns (with Judy Blair and Belinda Charteris).