NEW Zealand has become the first side to announce its squad for January’s Nations Cup. The squad of 11 was named this morning, with selections leaving plenty of questions.

The big story is Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, who comes into the Silver Ferns Squad after a few years out of the team. She replaces Jane Watson, who is not in the squad because she is taking a pre-planned break.

The other big story is Amorangi Malesala, who comes into the shooting group for what will potentially be her Silver Ferns debut. With Ameliaranne Ekenasio taking a break this series, Phoenix Karaka will captain the side for the series, with Kate Heffernan and Grace Nweke named as her vice-captains.

There is also a change in the coaching staff. Assistant coach Debbie Fuller cannot travel to England, so in her place NSW Swifts’ coach Briony Akle will be going. This will not be Akle’s first international coaching experience, after she guided Tonga at this year’s World Cup.

There has also been three Training Partners named, with Kate Burley, Tayla Earle and Georgia Heffernan able to come into the squad as injury cover at any time.

However, there are some big names not in the squad.

Elisapeta Toeava, Maia Wilson and Tiana Metuarau however were not included in the squad because they failed to meet fitness targets.

Silver Ferns Squad for Netball Nations Cup

Amorangi Malesala

Grace Nweke

Amelia Walmsley

Maddy Gordon

Kate Heffernan

Mila Reuelu-Buchanan

Whitney Souness

Karin Burger

Kelly Jury

Phoenix Karaka (captain)

Michaela Sokolich-Beatson

Training Partners: Kate Burley, Tayla Earle, Georgia Heffernan