Ferns to be named but wait for coach
AUCKLAND: Netball New Zealand will name a Silver Ferns squad today but is unlikely to name its next coach.
The squad will be the first team selected following the fallout from the disappointing season which ultimately led to the resignation of coach Janine Southby.
Many players have escaped responsibility for the team’s disappointing demise and Katrina Grant has only recently broke her silence on her role as captain.
Former Silver Ferns coach and player Yvonne Willering expects changes and believes it is time certain players took responsibility for their performance.
‘‘I think there will be some changes and I don’t see that as a bad thing,’’ Willering said.
‘‘We can’t say it was just the coach and everything’s going to be fine.’’
‘‘The players have to take responsibility for that performance as well. It’s all well saying they didn’t have the belief, but at the end of the day you’re wearing the Silver Fern. You’re going out on the court to be the best you can be and that’s irrespective of what happened off the court.’’
This year’s ANZ Premiership, which concluded on Sunday night, put the spotlight on some of New Zealand’s top upcoming players.
Young shooters such as Aliyah Dunn and Jen O’Connell outshone their internationally experienced teammates to prove their worth on the court.
Meanwhile, veterans such as Casey Kopua and Laura
Langman have been tipped for a return to the black dress sparking a debate around whether experience or youth is more important.
Willering, who led New Zealand to a silver medal in the 1998 Commonwealth Games, said she would not be surprised to see a couple of talented young players named in the squad but said in her opinion, experience still mattered more.
‘‘They [new players] may make the trial but I cannot see them making a starting lineup. That’s something that has to be earned.
‘‘Casey Kopua would add a lot of, not just experience . . . just having her around would make a difference.’’
There will also be an ‘‘update’’ on the head coach appointment process.
The Sunshine Coast
Lightning’s finals run in Australia’s Super Netball competition is believed to be the reason for the delay in naming a replacement for Southby. Lightning coach Noeline Taurua is understood to have reached an agreement with Netball NZ.
Taurua, who is fully committed to leading her Australian franchise to backtoback titles, would not want the Silver Ferns’ appointment to be a distraction.
The delay, however, begs questions about selection and whether the new coach will have had a significant say on who makes the team.
Willering, who agreed that the delay hinted toward Taurua’s appointment, believes the selection committee would have consulted with her before the team naming.
‘‘I think everyone’s aware that Noeline Taurua has been shouldertapped.’’
If she had said no to the job then there would be no update to take place.
A minimum of 16 players will be named in today’s 201819 Silver Ferns squad. A Silver Ferns New Zealand A squad and Fast5 squad will also be named. — NZME