Tied at one game apiece heading into the series decider, Australia won a thrilling finale 61-57 to clinch the Trans Tasman Cup and bragging rights over New Zealand.
The televised clash brought an end to a thrilling series, with New Zealand rebounding from a 16-goal first-up defeat with a 10-goal win in game two to force a decider.
But it was also a historic game as both sides faced off in a curtain-raiser to the Diamonds and Silver Ferns Constellation Cup clash for the first time.
After the game, both teams gathered in a circle to recognise a series well-fought, as well as recognising the role each player played to increase the standing of men’s netball.
Nexhip, a former Tongala netball coach and now Australian captain, addressed a packed John Cain Arena post-game to give his thanks.
“I don’t think I’ve spoken in front of so many people,” Nexhip said.
“Thank you so much to everyone who is here, this means so much to our game.
“It’s taken so long for men’s netball to get this platform and we hope that the product we put out there was something that excited you.
“I’m just bursting with pride to lead such a humble, hard-working group of netballers.
“It’s been a long, long road for most of us, we’ve had our ups and downs and we’ve loved every moment of it.”
The international series is the culmination of a long and winding path for Nexhip, who from the age of 12, was forced to find other sporting pathways due to age limitations for boys in netball.
Since then, Nexhip has earned his stripes playing for Victoria and now for his country, and he will lead Australia once more against England on Sunday, October 30.
