Falkner into Ferns
WELLINGTON: Shooter Monica Falkner has capped a remarkable return from injury by being named in the Silver Ferns team for the test series against England.
Falkner has been included in the 12strong New Zealand strong after a 15month injury layoff due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in her knee.
After sitting out the entire ANZ Premiership season, she played against the New Zealand
Men and New Zealand Under21 side in the recent Cadbury Netball Series, but did not feature in the final.
Falkner was first named in the Ferns in 2017, but has yet to play a test.
‘‘Monica has shown her desire to be here and wear the black dress,’’ coach Dame Noeline Taurua said.
‘‘We’ve been really pleased with what she has put out on court and what she brings to our shooting circle.’’
Captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Maia Wilson are the other shooters in the squad, with Te Paea SelbyRickit not considered for the series.
Taurua has named five midcourters in her 12strong squad, with Claire Kersten and Sam Winders joining world champinos Gina Crampton, Shannon Saunders and Karin Burger.
Burger will also provide cover for circle defenders Jane Watson, Sulu Fitzpatrick and Kelly Jury.
SelbyRickit, Bailey Mes, Katrina Rore and Temalisi Fakahokotau remain on managed programmes with the Silver Ferns medical team and are expected to resume international duties early next year.
Midcourter Kimiora Poi and young shooter Grace Nweke have missed out on selection, after featuring for the Ferns in the
Cadbury Series, but Nweke has been named as a training partner.
Taurua has been pleased with the progress made by the 18yearold but was also mindful about letting her grow in the professional environment.
‘‘We’ve been working a lot with Grace.
‘‘She is such a sponge in our environment and learning our structures. She has really embraced being in Silver Ferns environment.
‘‘Now it’s about ensuring that she is well supported moving forward and so that she can consolidate her core fundamentals of her role.’’
The threetest series against the England Roses will be the first international netball to be played since the Covid19 pandemic.
The first test is on Wednesday night. All three are in Hamilton. — RNZ