National selectors name Silver Ferns trialists

New Zealand national selectors have named 28 trialists ahead of next month’s Cadbury Netball Series against England and the Constellation Cup against the Australian Diamonds. 

The athletes head to Wellington for a three-day trial camp starting on 19-21 August from which the Silver Ferns squad, Silver Ferns Development Squad, teams for the Cadbury Series, Taini Jamison Trophy, Constellation Cup and FAST5 Ferns will be selected. 

Not considered for selection was Silver Ferns midcourter Shannon Saunders who has been ruled out with a knee injury. 
 
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua said she was excited with the trialists as this year marks the beginning of the cycle towards 2027.   

“There have been many factors which have gone into naming our trialists.   We have looked at balancing short term with focus on a long-term plan so that we can compete against the world's best at the same time as looking to find the right mix.  There are also athletes who are not ready to wear the dress at this moment of time but will be in the near future.   We need to ensure our foundation pieces are strong but remain open to change and offer support to fast track athletes who we know will be around in 2027, she said”. 
 
“Trials is also an opportunity for us to reset our direction towards 2027.   How can we work together better, what will it take to win, who can absorb information quickly and of course be able to execute on court.   Players need to be fit, healthy, robust and injury free to meet the requirements of trials.   I’m looking forward to seeing who rises to the occasion.” 
 
The Silver Ferns trialists were selected by the National Selection Panel (NSP): Convenor of Selectors - Adrianne Hayes, Silver Ferns Head Coach – Noeline Taurua, Gail Parata and Leigh Gibbs. 

Silver Ferns trialists: 

Karin Burger 

Kate Burley 

Tayla Earle 

Georgie Edgecombe 

Ameliaranne Ekenasio 

Maddy Gordon 

Catherine Hall 

Georgia Heffernan 

Kate Heffernan 

Kelly Jackson 

Phoenix Karaka 

Paris Lokotui 

Parris Mason 

Tiana Metuarau 

Erena Mikaere 

Grace Nweke 

Claire O'Brien 

Kimiora Poi 

Mila Reuelu-Buchanan* (unavailable due to injury)

Martina Salmon  

Michaela Sokolich-Beatson

Whitney Souness 

Carys Stythe  

Georgia Takarangi

Elisapeta Toeava 

Saviour Tui  

Amelia Walmsley

Maia Wilson