Netball: Noeline Taurua thrilled at Ferns job

Focus on now rather than the later is what new assistant Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua will do.

Netball New Zealand confirmed yesterday the appointment of Taurua who has a short-term contract as assistant coach to the Silver Ferns in their New World Netball series against England and the Holden Netball Test Series against Australia.

Taurua said yesterday she was thrilled with the new job.

"My catchphrase seems to be saying, 'it's exciting'. I'm excited by the opportunity and it's going to be a lot of great fun.

"It's one of those things I have to take when it presents itself and see what happens on the home front and see if it works."

It will be the second time Taurua has worked under Silver Ferns' coach Ruth Aitken. The Rotorua-based Taurua was Aitken's assistant with the Magic before she became Ferns coach 10 years ago.

Taurua will help Aitkens for her last five tests in charge of the Ferns, in October.

The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic coach said she was looking forward to working with Aitkens.

"With this opportunity to be able to be an assistant with Ruth for the next couple of series, the time frame worked for me in the short-term. So it's pleasing."

The position became available after Waimarama Taumaunu's contract came to an end after the World Championships in Singapore last month.

Both women are touted as the two women most likely to replace Aitkens when she leaves.

However, Taurua said she hadn't decided at this stage if she would apply for the position.

"With the head coach, that hasn't come out yet and hasn't been advertised. Obviously, it will very soon," Taurua said. "When it does arrive I'll have a look at it then and take it from there. But, at this stage, I'm keeping it quite separate and working through things as they present."

Netball NZ high performance director Tracey Fear said Taurua's appointment provides a great opportunity for one of the leading franchise coaches to gain international coaching experience.

"We asked for expressions of interest from our franchise coaches and we got a really positive response and are pleased to be able to now offer this great opportunity to Noeline."

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken said she was excited to have Noeline as assistant coach for the five test matches.

"Noeline brings a wealth of experience as Magic's head coach and a former Silver Fern. I am really looking forward to the skills and enthusiasm she will bring to the Silver Ferns' programme."

Taurua will also have the opportunity to be involved in the upcoming Silver Ferns squad camp on September 6.

Upcoming Series

New World Netball Series

Silver Ferns v England

October 3, Trusts Stadium Arena, Waitakere

October 6, ILT Velodrome, Invercargill

Holden Netball Test Series

Silver Ferns v Australian Diamonds

October 23, Burswood Dome, Perth

October 26, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide

October 30, Hisense Arena, Melbourne