Netball
1News

Returning Silver Fern Casey Kopua in tears while speaking of family's pride at her recall

December 14, 2018

Kopua said it was bittersweet news to be in the NZ team but learning her good friend Katrina Rore was dropped.

Recalled former Silver Ferns skipper Casey Kopua was thrilled with being included in the national side today, but admitted it was bittersweet news after learning her close friend was dropped.

Katrina Rore (Grant), also a former captain, was one of many stars missing from Noeline Taurua's squad for next month's Quad Series in England.

Kopua, 33, broke down during a press conference in Auckland, saying her family was a huge motivating factor in coming out of retirement.

"I am, I am crying. It is pretty cool and speaking to my family I guess they see the other side too, all the hard work and choices that you make and I guess just to hear them say they're proud of me is big," said Kopua.

"One of the sessions (training camp) were that hard and I thought this is where I am meant to be. With the news (selection) today it has just topped it all off."

Kopua said not having Rore selected alongside her was difficult news to swallow, however.

"That's also part of the emotion, having one of your best friends with you, then not with you is going to be tough, love her no matter what whether she's in or out (Rore)."

Kopua is joined by five other new players in the Silver Ferns, who were not part of the Constellation Cup series this year.

The Silver Ferns begin the tournament against hosts England on January 13 in Liverpool.

Silver Ferns squad: Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maria Folau, Maia Wilson, Gina Crampton, Laura Langman, Kimiora Poi, Sam Sinclair, Whitney Souness, Karin Burger, Casey Kopua, Erena Mikaere, Jane Watson.

OUT:

TE PAEA SELBY- RICKIT

ALIYAH DUNN

SULU FITZPATRICK

KATRINA RORE (GRANT)

ERIKANA PEDERSEN

MICHAELA SOKOLICH- BEATSON

IN:

AMELIARANNE EKANASIO

KIMIORA POI

ERENA MIKAERE

WHITNEY SOUNESS

KARIN BURGER

SHARE ME

More Stories