Netball: Eight new faces for Diamonds

Former Silver Fern Carron Jerram is one of eight new players named in the Auckland/Waitakere Diamonds netball side.

The National Bank Cup franchises were required to submit the names of up to 12 players to Netball New Zealand yesterday.

They have up until February 14 to name their final 12 and are now free to approach players who are not aligned with a franchise.

The last time the Diamonds finished in the top four was in 1999, and as a result new coach, former Australian international Sue Hawkins, has made sweeping changes.

Just four players - Anna Rowberry, Victoria Edward, Kathryn Harby-Williams and Krystal Feterika-Opetaia - remain from last season.

Jerram, who played for the Silver Ferns from 1991 to 1995, will strengthen the Diamonds' shooting third, an area where they have struggled in recent years.

Joining her under the hoop is Silver Fern Jodi Te Huna, New Zealand under-21 player Maria Tutaia, former Silver Fern Jo Steed and New Zealand under-21 player Grace Rasmussen, who can also play in the midcourt.

New Zealand talent identification squad member Rawinia Everitt has been included in the side's experienced midcourt mix. Defensively, the side have gained former Otago Rebels player Stephanie Bond, and Rachel Rasmussen, who returned to the game late last year after the birth of her first child.

On paper this side has to be one of the strongest the Diamonds have fielded in the competition's eight-year history.

The Western Flyers also announced their team yesterday and like the Diamonds it contained a number of new players.

The teams

* Flyers

Jessica Tuki, Malu Faasavalui, Joanna Andrew, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickitt, Chanel Haggart, Erika Burgess, Liana Barrett-Chase, Rebecca Kupa, Jodi Tod, Charlotte Kight, Danielle Harvey.

* Diamonds

Anna Rowberry, Victoria Edward, Kathryn Harby-Williams, Carron Jerram, Krystal Feterika-Opetaia, Stephanie Bond, Grace Rasmussen, Rachel Rasmussen, Maria Tutaia, Jo Steed, Rawinia Everitt, Jodi Te Huna.