Sinclair realises Silver Ferns dream

DREAM SELECTION: Rotorua's Samantha Sinclair has achieved a "life-long dream" after being selected in the 2017 Silver Ferns squad. PHOTO/ photosport.

Rotorua's Samantha Sinclair has achieved a "life-long dream" after being selected in the 2017 Silver Ferns squad. The former John Paul College student is one of two new faces to make it into the national side along with defender Kelly Jury - both of whom will suit up for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in next year's ANZ Premiership.

Midcourter Sinclair, 21, and Jury are the only uncapped players in the squad - that features a combined 455 test caps.

Despite an impressive performance in the recent Fast5 World Series, Sinclair said she was surprised to receive the call from Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby this morning and was excited about being part of the national squad.

"It was so exciting, I was so delighted to get that call," said Sinclair.

"Janine congratulated me on my performances at the Fast5 and the hard work I've put in over the last couple of years.

"For me this makes everything worth it. I was incredibly lucky to have a clear set up and pathway from when I left school and to be around and training with this amazing group of players is something special."

Sinclair's mother Justine said she was "overjoyed at hearing the news" - which provided a silver lining after being caught up in this morning's earthquake whilst visiting older daughter Courtney, 23, in Wellington with husband Jamie.

"I'm so happy for her - I always knew she had something exceptional about her," Mrs Sinclair said.

"It has made everything worth it - all the hours of dedication put in by both Sam and the family.

"I was actually surprised to get the call because of everything that happened with the earthquake. This certainly made up for that."

Southby praised Sinclair's recent form and said she was excited by the progress of the squad over the last 12 months.

"Sam and Kelly were standouts during the Fast5 Ferns victory at the Fast5 Netball World Series and with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games fast approaching and a big international season ahead of us, now is the time to give them some experience at that next level," she said.

The Silver Ferns team for the Netball Quad Series in South Africa and England in January/February 2017 will be announced in December.

"Everything still needs to fully sink in properly, but what I do know is that I'll give it my very best shot and getting my first cap as part of the Netball Quad Series is now my aim," Sinclair said.

"The selectors have shown the belief that I have got something to bring to the Ferns and now I'm just going to work really hard and show my worth."

Silver Ferns Squad - 2017

Gina Crampton - Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel
Kayla Cullen - Northern Stars
Shannon Francois - Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel
Katrina Grant - Central Pulse
Anna Harrison - SKYCITY Mystics
Kelly Jury - WBOP Magic
Phoenix Karaka - Central Pulse
Bailey Mes - SKYCITY Mystics
Storm Purvis - SKYCITY Mystics
Grace Rasmussen - WBOP Magic
Te Paea Selby-Rickit - Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel
Sam Sinclair - WBOP Magic
Maria Tutaia - SKYCITY Mystics
Jane Watson - Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel
Maia Wilson - Northern Stars

Silver Ferns Development Squad - 2017

Karin Burger - Central Pulse
Jess Moulds - Mainland Tactix
Erikana Pedersen - Mainland Tactix
Zoe Walker - Mainland Tactix