Family link threatens Aussie side

GROWING up with twin brother and England soccer giant Phil Neville has given English netball coach Tracey Neville a unique insight as she prepares her improved side for a Commonwealth Games raid in April.

England will arrive on the Gold Coast as arguably Australia’s greatest threat for a fourth title in six Games after three wins against world No.2 New Zealand and two fourgoal losses to Australia since August.

But Neville, the twin of England and Manchester United defender Phil and sister of fellow international Gary, will not be sidetracked by their expectations.

“Netball is a low-key media sport and you can get dazzled by the lights, but having my family and seeing what I’ve seen, we haven’t noticed those dazzling lights,” said Neville, herself a Commonwealth Games netball bronze medallist in 1998.

“I’m definitely over that (storyline), it’s lost its flavour (being a Neville) but it has kept us realistic and very level.”

Helping England’s revival is the fact almost half of the squad play in Australia’s Super League, with Geva Mentor at defending champions Sunshine Coast.