New Zealand Emerging Talent Selectors and head coach Yvette McCausland-Durie have named the NZU21 team for this week’s Cadbury Netball Series in Palmerston North.
The team of 12 will compete in the four-day series where they will meet the world champion Silver Ferns, NZ Men and NZ A from 21-24 October at Fly Palmy Arena.
With the experience of eight 2021 contracted ANZ Premiership players including Georgie Edgecombe, Taneisha Fifita, Paris Lokotui, Parris Mason, Tiana Metuarau, Renee Savai’inaea, Saviour Tui, Khiarna Williams, the NZU21s team is brimming with variation, speed and versatility.
Shooter Grace Nweke, and midcourters Maddy Gordon and Tayla Earle are eligible for the NZU21 team but will be with the Silver Ferns and NZ A squads during the series.
McCausland-Durie is excited about the opportunity the Cadbury Netball Series presents.
“In a challenging year, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to expose our young high performance talent to international standard competition,” she said.
McCausland-Durie said the competition for places had been fierce which was reflected in the performances during last week’s training camp in Wellington.
“I have been really impressed with what these athletes have put out there over the two camps and the reward for this 12 selected will be playing against the best netballers in New Zealand.
“It will be an opportunity to see how our combinations grow in the heat of competition during the Cadbury Netball Series.”
The series will be a part of the NZU21 squad’s build-up towards next year’s Netball World Youth Cup where they are aiming to win a third straight world title.
Squad members not selected for the Cadbury Netball Series remain in contention for the Netball World Youth Cup and will have the chance to play against England ahead of their series against the Silver Ferns.
“There remain a number of opportunities for squad members to push their claim for the Netball World Youth Cup,” she said.
“We’ve seen such a depth in the competition for places in the team which I think is a nod towards both the ANZ Premiership and Beko Netball League and what they have provided in terms of performance pathways for our athletes.
“The leadership shown from our Under 21 players has certainly been a feature at the training camps which I believe comes from the experience of playing in New Zealand’s elite domestic leagues.”
The NZU21 team will play the NZ Men’s team on 21 October, NZ A on 22 October and the Silver Ferns on 23 October heading into the Cadbury Netball Series finals day on 24 October.
NZU21 Team – Cadbury Netball Series
Georgie Edgecombe
Taneisha Fifita
Hannah Glen
Vika Koloto
Paris Lokotui
Parris Mason
Tiana Metuarau
Ainsleyana Puleiata
Renee Savai’inaea
Jessie Taylor
Saviour Tui
Khiarna Williams