Silver Ferns 2014/15 Squad and Constellation Cup Team Announced
Netball New Zealand National Selectors have chosen 19 players in the Silver Ferns Squad for the 2014/2015 international Netball season.
The team features two new caps, Temalisi Fakahokotau and Ameliaranne Wells with mid-courter Grace Rasmussen recalled after a strong ANZ Championship season for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and Bailey Mes to bolster the shooting circle.
With the country’s top Netballers facing off for only a select number of spots in the Squad, Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu says selectors have been pleased with the calibre of play out on court this week at trials.
“We were expecting some tight competition for places in the Squad and we certainly haven’t been disappointed,” Taumaunu said.
“We have confidence in the squad of 19 players selected and we’ll certainly be developing some new player combinations as we continue building towards the Netball World Cup in August next year.”
The first test match of the international Netball season is at ILT Stadium in Invercargill on October 2nd, with the Silver Ferns hosting the Australian Diamonds in the first of four test matches for the Constellation Cup.
The Silver Ferns team to play England in late October will be named next month.
The 2014/2015 Silver Ferns squad is:
Casey Kopua, Laura Langman, Jodi Brown, Kayla Cullen, Leana de Bruin, Temalisi Fakahokotau, Shannon Francois, Katrina Grant, Ellen Halpenny, Joline Henry, Phoenix Karaka, Cathrine Latu, Camilla Lees, Liana Leota, Bailey Mes, Grace Rasmussen, Courtney Tairi, Maria Tutaia and Ameliaranne Wells.
The Silver Ferns team to contest the Constellation Cup v Australian Diamonds is:
Casey Kopua (c), Laura Langman (vc), Jodi Brown, Leana de Bruin, Temalisi Fakahokotau, Katrina Grant, Joline Henry, Liana Leota, Cathrine Latu, Bailey Mes, Grace Rasmussen and Ameliaranne Wells.
National Development Squad 2014/15 - accelerant tier:
Malia Paseka, Jamie-Lee Price, Storm Purvis, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Whitney Souness, Jo Trip and Maia Wilson.
National Development Squad 2014/2015 - This squad replaces the current accelerant and U21 national squads.