NEW Zealand has become the third country this week to reveal its squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Once again lead by skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio, there is certainly a mix of youth and experience among the squad.
Alongside Ekenasio, five of her 2019 World Cup winning team mates are back to win the title again – Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Gina Crampton, Jane Watson, Karin Burger and Phoenix Karaka.
This leaves the other half of the squad to be filled with World Cup debutants, namely Grace Nweke, Maia Wilson, Whitney Souness, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan and Kelly Jury.
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua has also named her three travelling reserves for the tournament, with Tiana Metuarau, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and Sulu Fitzpatrick also travelling with the team.
The big omission is Peta Toeava, who even after a strong ANZ Premiership season still could not find a spot anywhere in the 15.
Taurua acknowledged how much the ANZ Premiership season and the way it panned out helped her and her team select the team.
“I think the ANZ Premiership has truly delivered this season and enabled myself and the selectors to see our athletes at their best and in all sorts of pressure-filled situations,” she said.
“It has been one of the closest competitions we’ve ever had, and of a high standard with some extremely tight results, which has provided a strong environment before we step onto netball’s biggest stage. I would like to thank all ANZ Premiership teams for the work they have done to help prepare the athletes and provide a fierce competition.”
New Zealand World Cup 2023 Squad
Karin Burger
Gina Crampton
Ameliaranne Ekenasio
Maddy Gordon
Kate Heffernan
Kelly Jury
Phoenix Karaka
Grace Nweke
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Whitney Souness
Jane Watson
Maia Wilson
Travelling Reserves: Tiana Metuarau, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and Sulu Fitzpatrick
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