Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua has made an array of changes to her squad for the upcoming Constellation Cup against Australia, naming three new players to the national side that lost to the Diamonds by five goals last month.
Sulu Fitzpatrick returns after seven years out of the Silver Ferns set-up and is joined by Erikana Pedersen in the squad, rewarded a call-up after their solid performances in the ANZ Premiership this year.
Young shooter Maia Wilson is also named in the Silver Ferns squad, replacing Ameliaranne Ekenasio who had a mixed performance in the Quad Series last month.
Taurua said she is eager to build combinations as her side prepare for next year’s Netball World Cup in England.
"There are limited opportunities to see how our players perform against the best in the world, but we also have to be mindful that we want to build on the performances that the Silver Ferns have produced so far," said Taurua.
"We want to have a look at combinations and what those players bring to the mix."
Taurua has had her entire squad in camp this week, including defenders Kelly Jury and Casey Kopua who were both ruled out of the series as they continue their injury rehabilitation.
Silver Ferns to play in Constellation Cup:
Gina Crampton, Aliyah Dunn, Sulu Fitzpatrick, Maria Folau, Katrina Grant, Laura Langman (captain), Erikana Pedersen, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Sam Sinclair, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Jane Watson, Maia Wilson.
Constellation Cup Series:
October 7 – Brisbane, Australia
October 10 – Townsville, Australia
October 14 – Hamilton, New Zealand
October 18 – Wellington, New Zealand
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