NEW Zealand’s squad which will head to England for the 2022 Quad Series has been named. Coach Dame Noeline Taurua has named 14 players to take on the Australia, England and South Africa, in a speedy five-day tournament where nations are guaranteed four matches in that time. Whilst the side may look vastly difference to past years with no Ameliaranne Ekenasio or Maria Folau in the goal circle and Jane Watson up the other end, the Silver Ferns have still put up and impressive side, including blooding some youth.

The Silver Ferns have named Filda Vui and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan as potential debutants, whilst Grace Nweke is coming off her first international caps when they faced England at home. Though they have lost both Ekenasio and Watson due to pregnancies, they regain a couple of new mums in Phoenix Karaka and Kayla Johnson (nee Cullen).

Taurua was impressed with the four players’ attitudes a tthe three-day trials camp in Wellington and told the Silver Ferns website she was excited about using the Quad Series as a way of preparing for the Commonwealth Games.

“We’ve got our eyes on the Commonwealth Games and with only seven months to go we cannot underestimate the importance of this Netball Quad Series. We have an opportunity to play three other world-class teams and build on what we have already achieved this year,” she said.

“This may also be the only chance that we have to work through some of the logistics that come with overseas travel and what our athletes will face when it comes to July’s Commonwealth Games, so we need to ensure we take all of the learnings both on and off court with the goal of getting the best out of the Silver Ferns in seven months.”

Midcourter Gina Crampton will lead the squad as captain, with the talent joined by Shannon Saunders and Samantha Winders as other important cogs in there. Claire Kersten is another one who can slide through the middle third, whilst the defensive end remains strong despite the loss of Watson.

Karin Burger, Kelly Jury and Sulu Fitzpatrick join Karaka as options, whilst up the other end, Maia Wilson will hold the experience with Nweke and Tiana Metuarau.

The Silver Ferns take on Australia (Sunday, January 16), England (Monday, January 17) and South Africa (Wednesday, January 19), with the top two sides from the round robin to face off in the final, whilst the other two lock horns in a battle for third.

SILVER FERNS – NETBALL QUAD SERIES TEAM

Karin Burger
Gina Crampton (captain)
Sulu Fitzpatrick
Kayla Johnson
Kelly Jury
Phoenix Karaka
Claire Kersten
Tiana Metuarau
Grace Nweke
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan
Shannon Saunders
Filda Vui
Maia Wilson
Sam Winders