Super Netball 2026: How an NBL star helped West Coat Fever’s Ruth Aryang with Achilles tendon injury

West Coast Fever defender Ruth Aryang has revealed she reached out to an Australian basketball star to help deal with the hurt which came from missing last year’s grand final because of a ruptured Achillles. Aryang made her return to the court in the Fever’s six-goal defeat to Melbourne Vixens at RAC Arena on Sunday, having been sidelined for 12 months with the massive setback. The 22-year-old is touted as one of the most exciting young defenders in Australian netball and seems destined to follow her sister Sunday and represent the Diamonds in the future. Aryang’s career was temporarily halted when she ruptured her Achilles tendon at training in April of last year, which forced her to watch on as Fever went on an incredible 13-game winning streak before losing the grand final to the Vixens. Speaking to The West Australian, Aryang revealed she spoke to Illawarra Hawks star Sam Froling about the emotional rollercoaster and impact of the injury after the 26-year-old faced a similar situation. Froling missed his side’s NBL championship win after he ruptured his Achilles tendon in game four of the series, which forced him to watch the thrilling game five from the sidelines. “Speaking to him (Froling) before the grand final was beneficial and helpful, because it was nice to see it from someone else’s point of view who had already lived that experience,” she said. “It’s always tough sitting on the sidelines but when you’re teams in the grand final it kind of hurts that bit more. “He was telling me that just because I didn’t play on court last year, I was still a big part of the court and to remember that. And don’t be too hard on myself. “And even though I am not out there with the girls to still celebrate if they win and if they lose, I still feel like I am a part of the team because I am. It was nice to hear that.” Aryang made a strong return for Fever at the weekend, playing 30 minutes at goal keeper and wing defence, which will boost Fever’s defensive end that is without her sister Sunday for the season because of a ruptured ACL. “There was a lot of nerves. That week was full of nerves but also excitement and emotions,” she said. “The girls helped me get through that period. And remembering what the game plan was and telling myself that when I get out there, all I have to do is play netball, which is a cool moment. “I felt prepared, but there are always those little nerves. Dan (coach Dan Ryan) did a good job of letting me know what my role was, so I could come into the game with a clear mind and know exactly what I am doing.” While for now, playing for fever is a big win for Aryang, she still has ambitions of pulling on the green and gold dress for Australia some day. “It is still a long-term goal of mine, but I think right now the only goal I have in my head is to get back to netball and play consistently,” he said. “I haven’t been able to do that for the past 12 months, so I think a goal for me this year is to just play netball and have fun.”