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Silver Ferns' rookie quartet aim to make most of call-ups

August 10, 2021
Kate Heffernan

The Silver Ferns’ 17-strong squad has four new names in it but the quartet of rookies aren’t just coming along to make up numbers.

In Auckland, it's been a big 48 hours for Grace Nweke after the star shooter was part of the history-making Mystics side who won its first title on Sunday evening.

Today's Silver Ferns announcement was the icing on the cake.

“I messaged the group chat and said, ‘hey everyone, by the way, got named in the Ferns squad,'” a laughing Nweke recalled to 1 NEWS.

“They were really happy which was cool.”

Stars shooter Jamie Hume also got a call up while Tiana Metuarau and Kate Heffernan will both follow in their mums' footsteps.

“It's been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” Heffernan said.

“I thought I was just bound to be if mum was, so I’m excited to get the opportunity and push to make some teams.”

Coach Dame Noeline Taurua said the inclusion of four young guns is about building depth in the lead up to next year's Commonwealth Games.

“Our planning revolves around now and ensuring we do what we need to in regards to building depth so we have a team that will be competitive when we do take on the world stage,” Dame Noeline said.

Add in World Netball's bid for inclusion in the Brisbane Olympic Games and it's an exciting era ahead for the sport.

“If that’s a possibility, that’s an aspiration our sport should take. It definitely increases our viewership and global process as a sport and that’s really what we should all strive towards,” Dame Noeline said.

In the present though, the four rookies could get their first chance to wear the black dress in a matter of weeks against England here at home – just enough time to settle today’s excitement.

“I can’t even imagine that feeling being on the line, hearing the national anthem and knowing you've come that far,” Nweke said.

Their first chance overseas won’t be until later when the Constellation Cup, hopefully, takes place in Australia in early October.

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