The Silver Ferns squad of 12 to contest July’s Netball World Cup in Liverpool is set to be named in Invercargill this afternoon. Jeff Cheshire looks at who might hear their name read out.
Shooters
Maria Folau has been in good form with the Adelaide Thunderbirds and her experience is likely to make her a lock.
Ameliaranne Ekenasio has been similarly strong and is a near-certainty.
Te Paea Selby-Rickit had a shaky start to the year, but has been outstanding over the past two months and should get a recall.
Aliyah Dunn has starred for the Central Pulse, but is young and questions have been asked of her fitness.
She will vie with Maia Wilson and Bailey Mes for the last spot.
Midcourters
Laura Langman is a certainty and Gina Crampton would be a good bet to take the wing attack slot.
If Kayla Cullen is fit and healthy she will be there too, although she has played just three full games this year.
Karin Burger may get that wing defence spot if Cullen is deemed not healthy enough.
That leaves three players to contest the final position.
Shannon Saunders has been outstanding for the Steel and will be hard to ignore.
However, Sam Sinclair brings grit and is one of the hardest workers going around, while Whitney Souness is a dynamic option at wing attack.
Defenders
Casey Kopua will get her farewell in black, while the constant energy and intensity of Jane Watson make her a near-certainty too.
Kelly Jury's length will provide an option to counter tall goal shoots, while Katrina Rore's form for the Pulse may earn her a recall.
There are other options, though.
Mystics trio Erena Mikaere, Phoenix Karaka and Mikaela Sokolich-Beatson will all be looked at.
Sulu Fitzpatrick has been strong for the Pulse, while Temalisi Fakahokotau's availability could be a wildcard.
