But there is a Kiwi connection that has helped the successful Roses coach guide them to winning the Taini Jamison Trophy against the Silver Ferns for the first time since 2021.
Thirlby spent nearly a month on placement with the Southern Steel in 2010 under the late Robyn Broughton.
It was where she first encountered former Steel player Liana Leota, who is now part of the Roses coaching staff — but did not travel for the most recent series — and head coach of the Leeds Rhinos.
"It’s got fond memories.
"Not so much when Robyn invited me to join in practice, though, because that wasn’t great," Thirlby laughed.
Having been on the sideline during the ANZ Championship era, Thirlby knew what the Roses were up against in the face of the passionate Southland fans on Sunday night.
"I kind of knew what it would be like and I know that it’s a very proud area for netball.
"We were well rehearsed in understanding that we’re not going to get many cheers from the crowd, but I think that’s actually been something we’ve dealt with really well.
"It was a really nice environment actually, nice atmosphere."
The Roses won the series against the Silver Ferns 2-1, but lost their earlier series against the Australian Diamonds 2-1.
They went on tour wanting to beat both countries on home soil and broaden their playing experience — and ticked off both goals.
"I don’t think we’ve necessarily allowed ourselves to really take a step back and acknowledge all of the gains we’ve made here beyond . . . the results on the court.
"To have been able to achieve what we’ve done is quite miraculous really, given the losses of Eleanor Cardwell and Natalie Metcalf so early on in the tour."
Beth Cobden made her return to international netball after a horror run of injuries since 2022 — "she’s had superb impact" — and young players got their first opportunities against New Zealand.
Many players were out of their preferred positions, but that showed the depth the Roses had built and led to them being ranked third in the world.
"There’s so many things we’re going to be able to tick off which puts us in as good a position as I think we could hope, if not exceeded, what we could have gone home."
The Roses now play a four-test series against Jamaica, similar to the Constellation Cup, in November.
"It’s really important for us actually to hit out against a full-strength Jamaica side every year and I think it’s brilliant that we’ve been able to make that series happen."
