A very fast centre-court player, Rotorua’s Coral Palmer became the Silver Ferns 50th player when chosen in the 1970-71 team for the extended overseas tour ahead of the third Netball World Cup in Jamaica.

Palmer loved the centre position ahead of all others and despite eye-sight problems was adept at covering all areas of the court without missing a beat.

A very good passer of the ball at speed, Palmer was also a deft feeder from the circle edge and an expert at employing the zone defensive tactic which had become a feature of players coming out of Rotorua. This helped Palmer pick up plenty of turnover ball defensively.

Palmer had all the attributes of a top-quality centre with her strong all-round game. Sickness prevented Palmer from playing in the Netball World Cup final against Australia where the Silver Ferns struggled without her presence.