Ekenasio’s absence leaves big shoes to fill

Noeline Taurua names what could be her final Silver Ferns squad for the Nations Cup tomorrow. Netball writer Kayla Hodge ponders what it could look like.

Goal attack replacement

Ameliaranne Ekenasio is practically irreplaceable. The Silver Ferns will be without their captain and 70-test goal attack who is sitting out the series following a heavy international season. Ekenasio is the calm head in the young attack line and will be missed, but it opens the door for others to test themselves. Tiana Metuarau could have an increased role for the Nations Cup, having made appearances throughout the past three series, including the Netball World Cup. Metuarau is never afraid to look to post and let the ball go to her shooters. But she does not put up the volume of shots needed if the main shooter is shut out. Te Paea Selby-Rickit has plenty of experience under her belt, but she made herself unavailable following the World Cup. Will she be back for this series? It does mean the Silver Ferns have to carry another goal attack. Stars shooter Amorangi Malesala seems the obvious choice. Her footwork is smooth, her court craft is second to none, and she is never afraid to sink the long bomb. Looked good for the Fast5 Ferns last month.

Burley’s break

Kate Burley received her first call-up for the Silver Ferns in the Constellation Cup squad this year. But the former Southern Steel goal keep sat on the bench, and in the stands, for the entire series. Burley has been a ball winner in the ANZ Premiership and her game has grown in the recent years, reinforcing her claims for a shot at the national team. There is fierce competition in the defensive end as Kelly Jury, Phoenix Karaka, Karin Burger and Jane Watson all fight for a starting spot. But with the Silver Ferns playing England, Australia and Uganda, it would be a good chance to blood some youth and Burley is the next in line. She also trained at wing defence during the Constellation Cup series.

Toeava’s time

There was an uproar from the netball community when Peta Toeava was left out of the Netball World Cup squad. But is was too risky to take two specalised wing attacks to the pinnacle event and once Grace Nweke , with whom Toeava has a strong connection from the Mystics, was injured, it became clear that was the right decision. She was also absent from the Taini Jamison series and Constellation Cup squads due to not meeting fitness standards. If she is back to full fitness, there is every chance Toeava could be given another shot. She adds a lot of flair and something different at wing attack. She does have competition after Mila Reuelu-Buchanan was a revelation at wing attack during the Constellation Cup. Reuelu-Buchanan formed a nice connection with Maddy Gordon in the middle. Whitney Souness also injected speed and Kate Heffernan is always solid.

Could this be goodbye?

Taurua is still undecided on her future as Silver Ferns head coach and should she make the decision to step down, the Nations Cup will be her final series. After taking over in 2018, Taurua’s contract was set to end in November following the Constellation Cup, but Taurua and Netball New Zealand agreed on a short-term extension for her to finish off the international season next month and give her a chance to make a call on her future. She is yet to make that decision, but has indicated she will not drag it out after the Nations Cup. Ekenasio also spoke last week about how it was a tough call to miss the series and remained optimistic her coach would continue.

Captain, my captain

Who will be the Silver Ferns captain? Phoenix Karaka seems the obvious — and most experienced — choice in Ekenasio’s absence. Karaka was named vice-captain following Gina Crampton’s sabbatical in the United States.

kayla.hodge@odt.co.nz