Stars defend callup for Bailey, 43

The Northern Stars have defended their decision to call 43-year-old assistant coach and former Silver Ferns standout Temepara Bailey out of retirement.

Bailey, who last played elite netball in 2014, has answered an emergency call in the midcourt for the South Auckland-based side for the 2019 national premiership.

Her return to action comes after former Silver Ferns midcourter Grace Kara, the Stars’ captain, became pregnant and unavailable.

The Stars were unable to turn to their injured young midcourters Tori Kolose (broken leg), Christina Oscar (anterior cruciate ligament injury) and Fa’amu Ioane (strained medial collateral ligament), which led to 89-test Silver Fern Bailey getting the nod.

Bailey, a grandmother, played club netball in Auckland this year, and is renowned for her outstanding fitness levels. As assistant of the Stars, she was often used as an extra training partner and competed during in-squad matches.

She will be one of two players over 40 at the Stars next season with fellow former Fern Leana de Bruin, 41, returning to the club after a season in Australia with the Adelaide Thunderbirds this year.

Bailey, who was unavailable for comment, has been living in Thailand with her husband and kept herself fit with Muay Thai kickboxing sparring sessions.

The Stars’ decision to offer Bailey a contract won’t be met with universal approval and raises questions whether she is blocking a spot for a young player in the Auckland region or the rest of New Zealand. Some will consider the move a backward step, but Stars coach Kiri Wills was comfortable with their decision.

‘‘It’s a valid observation, but the reality is we’re here to win.

‘‘I didn’t really want to add another player who was going to be fighting for survival out there. I wanted someone who would be out there marshalling the troops.’’

With Kara’s unavailability and three talented young midcourters unable to be considered through injury, Bailey offered the experience and leadership they needed.