Robinson out as TN’s injury woes continue
TEAM Northumbria’s injury jinx has struck again with Jaydene Robinson the latest Superleague star to be ruled out of top-flight action.
Te Aroha Keenan will be without the emerging centre for this afternoon’s clash at Sirens and Monday’s trip to in-form Manchester Thunder.
Robinson’s absence follows season-ending injuries to Silver Ferns star Kati Cooper and England international Leah Kennedy.
Yet there is light at the end of the tunnel for TN after it was confirmed Northern Ireland defender Noleen Lennon is finally ready to kickstart her NSL career.
Robinson has endured a stopstart season following successive final quarter dismissals – the second of which led to a one-game suspension.
Her return to the starting seven has been hampered by shin problems.
Keenan revealed: “We have taken the decision to take Jaydene out so she can properly heal and get back before the end of the season.
“She was not getting any better and in my view she was not fit enough to play. She will use the time out to heal and work on other aspects of her fitness so she is flying by next month.”
Robinson’s absence means the rejuvenated Vicky Burgess retains her place with the player-coach enjoying a fantastic run in the side.
Keenan cannot wait to call upon Lennon after the former TN favourite finally recovered from a calf injury to kickstart her career on Tyneside.
“Noleen has trained really well this week and it is great to have another option at both ends of the court,” added the Kiwi playcaller.
“Ultimately we have coped well in her absence and the rest of the group has really progressed.”
TN head into this weekend’s double-header in fine form following home wins against Mavericks and Stars and a narrow defeat at Surrey.
The Tynesiders lost against Sirens at Sport Central earlier this month but Keenan added: “We go there full of confidence.
“I am sure we will be competitive and of course it is a game we can win.
“We lost against them a few weeks ago and although they pose a real threat in attack we know we can score goals.”
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