Star shooter happy to be part of fast and furious form of the game

Silver Ferns star Maria Tutaia is happy to be the exception.

The 104- test veteran is the only of the Ferns’ frontline players taking the court in this weekend’s Fast5 World Series in Melbourne. But after a season derailed through injury, Tutaia is delighted to shoehorn in as much court time as she can.

A painful foot injury has kept the star shooter on the sidelines for most of the international season, with the 29- year- old only returning to the court in the Silver Ferns final two tests of the year. After a quiet outing in her comeback match against Australia in Auckland, Tutaia was just beginning to return to top form in the final hitout of the Constellation Cup.

She hopes to continue to build her form and confidence in the lessstructured short- form game.

“The Constellation Cup was a big test to see if I could get through Fast5 so it was great to finally get out on court and shake off a bit of rust,” said Tutaia, who will skipper the Fast5 Ferns in Melbourne.

“I’m really happy with how it’s progressing and Fast5 will be a great opportunity for me to keep pushing.”

Tutaia will be one of the Fast5 Ferns key strike weapons, with her long- range shooting prowess making her highly dangerous. Under the Fast5 rules there are three different scoring zones: one point from the inner circle, t wo points from the outer edges of the circle, and three points from outside the circle.

With the two- point scoring zone sitting well within Tutaia’s regular shooting range, one opponent once jokingly asked if the game has been developed specifically for the Silver Fern sharpshooter.

While the Ferns have won the past three World Series titles they do not carry favourites status this weekend, with Tutaia leading a young and inexperienced side.

National development coach Kiri Wills, who will coach the Kiwi side in Melbourne, said the tournament gives young players an opportunity to experience the furious pace of international netball, and to put their array of netballing talents to the test.

“Fast5 is an energetic and exhilarating form of the game that encourages speed and flair, and always thrills the crowds,” she said. “It will be a whirlwind event, decided in two days, but it will also be a fun way for the girls to end their year after an intense international season.”

Since it was introduced in 2009, New Zealand has dominated the shortened form of the game, winning the world title five out of six times.

The modified involves five player sides, shortened quarters, multiple point shots and double point power plays.