Netball: Talent to burn in Salter's squad

Georgie Salter will be spoiled for choice when she makes the final cut to her squad for the Lois Muir Challenge.

Salter has named an extended Otago squad of 16 for the competition, which will enter its third year when it runs concurrently with the ANZ Championship.

Eleven players will eventually be selected for the opening game in Auckland on March 20.

The Otago squad includes three New Zealand Under-21 players in midcourters Emily Close and Shannon Francois and defender Jess Moulds.

There are experienced heads in the form of shooter Greir Campbell and defender Jaimee Power, while both defender Louise Thayer and midcourter Kate Shearer will be keen to continue their momentum, after both had break-through seasons last year.

Interesting newcomers include shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit, the younger sister of Steel defender Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit, and midcourter Gina Crampton, formerly of Wellington.

Home-grown players Tessa Bekkers and Hannah Williams will also bid to make the final cut.

Otago won the inaugural Lois Muir Challenge, named for Otago sporting great Dame Lois Muir, in 2008, and was fifth last year.

Otago plays home side Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty during the opening weekend in Auckland.

It hosts games at the Edgar Centre against Canterbury and Southland on March 28, before heading to the Arena Manawatu to play North Harbour, Counties-Manukau, Western and Cook Strait on April 17-18.