THE 2023 Constellation Cup is set to get underway this week, with Australia looking to retain the cup against New Zealand. In the build up to the event, Rookie Me Central will take a look at each of the teams competing at the tournament and analyse their potential at this tournament.

New Zealand Silver Ferns have had an up and down year so far

New Zealand is hoping to bounce back after an upsetting World Cup campaign that left them without a medal for the first time in history, and only just getting over the England Roses last month. This Constellation Cup will help the Silver Ferns figure out how they want to be structured for the next cycle and how they will approach the next major tournament, the Commonwealth Games in 2027, if they happen.

The Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds have not faced off since the Quad Series in January this year, so it will be exciting for the players and those at home to see the two Trans-Tasman rivals battle it out again.

Captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio is looking to maintain her fine form from the Taini Jamison Trophy as she looked to be her old self again, not afraid to shoot the long goals whilst being the playmaker down the attack end.

The only changes this year from the previous is the inclusion of Kate Burley and Amelia Walmsley, and the omissions of Kimiora Poi, Peta Toeava and Elle Temu. Sulu Fitzpatrick announced her retirement earlier this year, Kayla Johnson is on leave after having her second child, and Te Paea Selby-Rickit is on an indefinite break.

New Zealand Squad

Karin Burger, Kate Burley, Ameliaranne Ekenasio (captain), Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Kelly Jury, Phoenix Karaka, Tiana Metuarau, Grace Nweke (subject to medical clearance), Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Whitney Sounses, Amelia Walmsley, Jane Watson, Maia Wilson