Dame Noeline Taurua has locked in her squad for the 2024/25 season featuring two fresh faces as well as two players making their returns to the squad.
Midcourter Claire O’Brien and defender Parris Mason have made the squad for the first time, off the back of their efforts in the ANZ Premiership this season.
Kimiora Poi and Erena Mikaere have both been recalled.
Poi made her debut for the Ferns in 2019 and has captained the Tactix in the ANZ Premiership since 2022. She has already announced that she is leaving the Tactix to play for the Steel in 2025.
Poi has made ten appearances for the Silver Ferns and was a member of the 2021 Constellation Cup winning side.
Mikaere has only made one appearance for the Silver Ferns, coming on against England in the 2019 Netball Quad Series.
The announcement comes ahead of next month’s Taini Jamison Trophy series against the England Roses with the first match on September 29 in Auckland. The Silver Ferns Constellation Cup campaign against Australia starts in late October.
Dame Noeline said all four players earned their spots in the squad, having shown consistency throughout the ANZ Premiership and taking another step up during the three-day trial in Wellington.
“The quality and intensity of trials was fierce from the start to the end. I was very pleased with everyone and what they contributed on and off the court,” Taurua said.
“After three intense days you can usually see those who are physically capable of repeated efforts, people who can do their own job one on one, work with others in a unit, and have that mental fortitude to stay in the fight. I always talk about consistency. If players are consistent in their craft and brand of netball, then we always see their uniqueness shine through.”
Taurua said the midcourt selections were the hardest for her to pick as she thinks that’s where they have the strongest depth.
“It makes life tougher for the athletes but great for the system. I find it exciting for the now and moving forward.”
Taurua said both Poi and Mikaere have matured as people, while earning their places back into the Silver Ferns squad.
“For both players I get a sense there is a deeper appreciation of what it means to be a Silver Fern when you get recalled back into the squad. It’s a timely reminder for everyone.”
“I am so proud of Kimiora. She has endured some tough conversations and selector feedback for the past three years. Her game, fighting spirit, superior speed and movement, body strength and leadership is next level. I can see the maturity in her game where she plays with no limits,” she said.
“Erena brings presence in the defence unit, and she leads from the back as well as within the team environment.
Silver Ferns 2024-25 squad:
Kate Burley, Karin Burger, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Kelly Jackson, Phoenix Karaka, Parris Mason, Erena Mikaere, Grace Nweke, Claire O’Brien, Kimiora Poi, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Whitney Souness, Amelia Walmsley, Maia Wilson.
Silver Ferns development squad:
Tayla Earle, Georgie Edgecombe, Catherine Hall, Paris Lokotui, Tiana Metuarau, Martina Salmon, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Carys Stythe, Peta Toeava, Saviour Tui.
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