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Southby excited by talent at trials

Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby is excited by the talent available at next week’s Silver Ferns trials.

Southby, along with National Selectors, will pick two Silver Ferns team (Netball Quad Series and New World Netball Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy) as well as an NZA team.

Unfortunately shooter Maria Tutaia has been ruled out of selection for the upcoming series due to a foot injury sustained during the ANZ Championship.  The Silver Ferns medical team are working closely with Maria to get her back on court as soon as possible.

Southby says they will pick a team based on performances now, but also with an eye to building for the future.

“Individually, we’re looking for players to step up and cement their places with strong performances over the trials,” Southby said.

“We need fit, fast, strong, agile, quick players who make great decisions on court, who work with others and who work for others – that’s what we’re really looking for.

“We’re taking a slightly different approach this year where they’re interviewed before coming to trials and are having to do a number of other activities in preparation for coming to camp.

“It’s about us understanding them as a complete person, because to me when we understand that and see them as a player we can see how to help them grow.”

Southby and her management team have been working tirelessly during the year formulating plans and strategies; it’s a process she says has been hugely valuable.

“A lot of what we have been doing has been understanding the people who have been part of the programme, what’s happened before, what’s worked, what hasn’t and what you’d tweak,” she said.

“I’ve been fortunate to have Wai [Taumaunu] share a lot of her learnings and a lot of the work she’s done the past few years and that’s been valuable.

“Getting everyone on board and aligned and working towards the same vision has been critical.

“When the players come to trials next week they’re going to have the opportunity to have input into the programme and plan and how they see it going forward.

“We’ve got a really strong vision that excites us.”

Southby is looking forward to the international season getting underway in August with the Netball Quad Series – saying fans have the opportunity to see quality Netball on their doorstep.

“It will be a big challenge and there’ll be some nerves, but to be the best you have to beat the best and that’s the mantra we’re taking into this season.”

Secure your seat to see the Silver Ferns LIVE when they take the court in the Netball Quad Series, featuring the Australian Diamonds, England Roses and South Africa’s SPAR Proteas this August – GET TICKETS.