Experienced Silver Ferns return for Taini Jamison Trophy

Vice-captain Maria Folau and defender Kayla Cullen will make a return to the test team tonight as the Silver Ferns aim to make the final of the Taini Jamison Trophy.

Both players sat out Thursday night’s eight-goal loss to Jamaica Sunshine Girls but will suit up for the test against the Fiji Pearls at the North Shore Events Centre  where victory will put them into Saturday’s Trophy decider.

Folau continues to be managed through the Taini Jamison Trophy campaign as she eyes up her fourth Commonwealth Games, but has pleased the Silver Ferns’ medical team with her progress to date.

Cullen, who was not expected to take part in the four-day series because of a knee injury, was put through a rigorous fitness test on Thursday and has recovered well to be considered for the Silver Ferns last two tests.

The wing defence missed the first two matches of the Taini Jamison Trophy but is excited to be back in the black dress.

Mid-courter Claire Kersten and shooter Maia Wilson, who were both pulled into the squad as injury cover, will sit out tonight’s game.

The Silver Ferns suffered just their third loss ever to Jamaica on Thursday night, going down 51-59, and will want another opportunity to take on the Sunshine Girls before heading to the Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

But they must overcome Fiji first and the Pearls will have taken plenty of confidence out of their performance against the Malawi Queens.

Jamaica will meet the Malawi Queens in tonight’s early game starting at 6pm.

Finals will be played at North Shore Events Centre tomorrow at 2:10pm and 4:10pm. 

Silver Ferns v Fiji:

Katrina Grant (captain)

Maria Folau (vice-captain)

Kayla Cullen

Ameliaranne Ekenasio

Temalisi Fakahokotau

Shannon Francois

Kelly Jury

Grace Kara

Bailey Mes

Te Paea Selby-Rickit

Samantha Sinclair

Michaela Sokolich-Beatson