Wilson to be rested from FAST5 World Series

Following a busy international season, national netball selectors have opted to rest Silver Ferns shooter Maia Wilson from next month’s FAST5 Netball World Series with Georgia Heffernan set to replace her in the FAST5 Ferns.

Wilson, who is closing in on 50 Test Caps for the Silver Ferns, has been involved in the Netball Quad Series earlier this year, the Netball World Cup in South Africa, as well as the Taini Jamison Trophy Series against England and this month’s Constellation Cup against Australia.

She will now be rested for the two-day FAST5 Netball World Series to be played at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch on 11-12 November.

Heffernan, who was part of the FAST5 Ferns which won bronze at last year’s event and played goal attack for the Southern Steel in this year’s ANZ Premiership, has been named as a replacement for Wilson.

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua said it was the right time for Wilson to be rested after two busy years at international level.

“Maia’s workload has been constantly high over the past two years as the Silver Ferns built towards this year’s Netball World Cup in Cape Town,” she said.

“She may have only just turned 26 but Maia has taken on a senior role in the shooting circle for some time now and the responsibilities that come with that. We felt now was a good time to give her a well-deserved break.” 

Taurua said Wilson’s absence from the FAST5 Ferns would give Heffernan an opportunity to again take on international teams in the fast-paced shortened version of the game.

“Georgia is a member of our Silver Ferns development squad and we felt this was another chance for her to show her attacking abilities in what is a highly competitive and high-tempo FAST5 tournament,” she said.

“She had a strong presence with the FAST5 Ferns last year and we’re looking forward to seeing the skills that she will bring to the Netball World Series in Christchurch.”

The FAST5 Ferns will be coached by Marianne Delaney-Hoshek and take on Australia, South Africa, England, Jamaica, and Malawi over two days.