NEW Zealand Silver Ferns have released a stacked team ahead of the upcoming international series, with a number of key cogs keeping their spot while some former Under 21s stars have been elevated to the official squad.

After a stellar season with the Northern Mystics it is no surprise that Grace Nweke has earned the call-up to the Ferns, with the goal shooter proving to be a formidable force under the post with her increased athleticism and endurance on show throughout this season. Another newcomer to the side is Tiana Metuarau with the goal attack taking her game to the next level this season with her court craft, leadership – despite only being 21-years-old – and capacity to go to post from anywhere in the circle. Teammate, Kate Heffernan has also earned a call-up credit to her impressive work throughout the season and across the centre. The other fresh face is Jamie Hume with the goal attack stepping up to the plate for the Stars with her increased load to the post and impressive movement across the court.

The shooting circle has the new faces in Nweke, Metuarau and Hume accompanied by the old firm in Maia Wilson, Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Ameliaranne Ekenasio, who is currently awaiting the birth of her child. Both Wilson and Selby-Rickit had up and down ANZ Premiership seasons but have proven their class time and time again to be mainstays in the squad.

Through the midcourt Peta Toeava has made her way back into the mix credit to her vision into the circle and connection with Nweke proving to be just about unstoppable. Speedster Maddy Gordon has retained her spot in the Ferns outfit with the midcourter proving she is more than capable of playing all three positions. A couple of seasoned campaigners in Shannon Saunders and Gina Crampton will once again team up as Claire Kersten and Sam Winders round out the remaining midcourt roles.

Defensively, there are no surprises with Jane Watson and Karin Burger both named in the squad. The pair developed at a rate of knots throughout the Tactix’s topsy-turvy season and will be eager to maintain that level of dominance at international level. Premiership-winning Mystics captain Sulu Fitzpatrick is also amongst the players named while Kelly Jury also got the call-up.

2021/2022 Silver Ferns squad:

Shooters
Ameliaranne Ekenasio (maternity leave)
Jamie Hume
Tiana Metuarau
Grace Nweke
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Maia Wilson

Midcourters
Gina Crampton
Maddy Gordon
Kate Heffernan
Claire Kersten
Shannon Saunders
Peta Toeava
Sam Winders

Defenders
Karin Burger
Sulu Fitzpatrick
Kelly Jury
Jane Watson

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