FLIGHT RISK Eligibility rules set in stone, say Netball NZ
NETBALL New Zealand remains steadfast in the view only locals will be selected for the Silver Ferns despite their best player moving to Australia next year and other high profile casualties expected to follow.
Laura Langman claimed New Zealand’s top gong, the Dame Lois Muir supreme prize, as the most consistent domestic and international player for the second year running at Thursday night’s national awards.
Next year, though, the veteran midcourter who played an incredible 141 consecutive tests will be blocked from wearing the black dress after signing on to play for the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the new Australian league, under former Magic and Steel coach Noeline Taurua.
Superstar shooter Maria Tutaia is widely expected to follow Wallabies fullback and new fiance´ Israel Folau to Australia in 2018. Other players are likely to be targeted, too.
Langman gave an emotional speech at the awards dinner, reiterating the desire to further her game by learning in a new environment against some of the world’s best. The rejuvenated 30-year-old felt she had one of her best campaigns after playing in Sydney this year.
Having coached Langman previously, Taurua knows just how valuable she is.
‘‘She was a standout for New Zealand this year hence the award and to be honest I’m rapt we were able to secure her for next year,’’ Taurua said.
‘‘She wants to become a better netballer which is why she always does things so she can be better for New Zealand. It’s only a oneyear deal so we’ll wait and see whether she stays with us but I couldn’t be happier to have a world-class player and the opportunity for everyone around her to be better.
‘‘When people make decisions like this that are against the grain it’s a good thing because Netball New Zealand have to think, is their decision the right decision, and what’s the risk and reward?
‘‘Laura is very courageous to put herself out there. It’s not easy for her. But unless someone makes those decisions for themselves, everybody thinks that’s the right way. She’s pioneering possible changes in Netball New Zealand and I think that’s positive. Or, if they stick with the status quo, then they’ve done their analysis.’’
Rather than grant Langman another exemption to play across the Tasman and still front for the national team, NNZ has instead ruled her ineligible as she will not feature in the new six-team New Zealand competition. ‘‘We’ve got to look at our pathway and maintain the integrity of our competition and what it means to play in our dress,’’ NNZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie said.
Wyllie was unsure where Tutaia will end up after next season but is confident New Zealand had depth with the likes of young shooters Te Paea SelbyRickit and Maia Wilson to cover her probable absence.
‘‘I have no idea about Maria’s plans. She is just enjoying the moment. She is an incredibly happy young women.’’
Former Ferns veteran Temepara Bailey, who assumes an assistant coaching role at the new South Auckland-based Northern Stars team, backed the local selection policy.
‘‘In one way it is sad. The likes of Tutaia and Langman have given us a lot. But we’ve got a good breed coming through and I think sometimes we hang onto our players too long in New Zealand, myself included.’’ PHOTOSPORT