Kate Heffernan is poised to debut for the Silver Ferns in Birmingham with a 12-strong team announced for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Kate Heffernan will debut for the Silver Ferns in Birmingham Photo: Photosport
Heffernan is set to become a double international after representing New Zealand in cricket in 2018. The tall midcourter was called into the Silver Ferns squad last year but didn't get on court.
Sam Winders and Claire Kersten have been dropped from the midcourt.
The pair have been mainstays in the side for the past couple of years and Winders was last year named Silver Ferns' player of the year.
There's also no room for livewire midcourter Maddy Gordon.
Captain Gina Crampton and Shannon Saunders have retained their spots, while 14 Test cap wing attack Whitney Souness has been recalled to the side.
It appears that Saunders will be used mostly at centre, rather than as back-up at wing attack, which has been her main role in recent years.
Shooters Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Bailey Mes have been recalled to the side, on the back of impressive ANZ Premiership seasons.
Te Paea Selby-Rickit has been recalled to the side. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
They will join Maia Wilson and Grace Nweke, subject to Nweke getting medical clearance as she works her way back from an ankle sprain.
Former captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, who has been racing against time to regain her fitness after having her second child, has not been named in the 12, but is down as a reserve.
Despite having a great ANZ Premiership season shooter Tiana Metuarau, who got lots of court time in the sides last two international series, has been dropped but is named as a reserve.
Three other reserves have been named - Claire Kersten, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and Elle Temu.
As expected goal keepers Kelly Jury and Sulu Fitzpatrick (vice-captain) have been named.
They will be joined in the defensive end by Pheonix Karaka and Kayla Johnson, who has completed a remarkable return to international netball.
Silver Ferns' coach Dame Noeline Taurua, who will guide the national side for the first time at a Commonwealth Games, said the 12 players named had impressed over the last 18 months.
"We have monitored the progress these players have made during that time. They have responded to what has been asked of them and delivered under pressure.
"I'm excited about the next few weeks as we complete our preparation and finally get on the plane to Birmingham after what has been a long build-up," Dame Noeline said.
The New Zealand team will continue preparations for the Commonwealth Games by competing in the Cadbury Netball Series next month and will depart for Birmingham on 21 July.
Silver Ferns
Shooters: Maia Wilson, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Bailey Mes, Grace Nweke* (subject to medical clearance and return to play protocols)
Midcourt: Gina Crampton, Shannon Saunders, Whitney Souness, Kate Heffernan
Defence: Kelly Jury, Sulu Fitzpatrick, Kayla Johnson, Phoenix Karaka
Reserves: Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Tiana Metuarau, Claire Kersten, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Elle Temu
