Silver Ferns won’t rule out Rore
The Silver Ferns will give experienced defender Katrina Rore every chance to play in the Netball World Cup.
Silver Ferns management has opted to take both Rore and Michaela Sokolich-Beatson to England with a final decision on the make-up of the 12-strong squad still to be made.
Rore, a 125-test veteran and former Ferns captain, was ruled out of the Cadbury Series last week due to a calf strain, where she was replaced by fellow defender Sokolich-Beatson. Ferns management want to ensure Rore is given every opportunity to recover from the injury in time for the World Cup in Liverpool, which starts on July 12.
Teams must have their final 12 players to the International Netball Federation (INF) by July 9 and the Silver Ferns management team deemed it prudent to retain Sokolich-Beatson, who has played 12 tests, in the squad until this time.
Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua said Rore was continuing to make progress, but it would be important she was able to complete matchplay before being confirmed in the final 12.
‘‘Katrina . . . is tracking well with her rehab plan,’’ Taurua said. ‘‘But if she fails to pass a fitness test, we feel it is important to have Michaela on immediate standby especially as we are going to be on other side of the world.’’
If Rore was ruled out, it would be a bitter blow considering she forced her way back into the World Cup squad after being axed for January’s Quad Series in England.
Sokolich-Beatson was part of the Silver Ferns squad which competed in the Cadbury Series, finishing second to the New Zealand men’s side.
The World Cup runs from July 12-21 in Liverpool with the Silver Ferns meeting Malawi in their opening match.
The 13 New Zealand players along with management depart for Colchester in Essex, England, tomorrow where they will complete their final preparations.