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
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