Netball: Williams named Silver Ferns captain

New Silver Ferns captain Casey Williams has taken over from the retired Julie Seymour. Photo / Getty Images

First time call-ups for Camilla Lees and Charlotte Kight and the return of a familiar face were the features of a New Zealand netball squad named today for the upcoming international season against a World side and Australia.

Midcourter Lees was rewarded for a solid campaign with perennial ANZ championship strugglers Central Pulse while Canterbury's Kight joins a defensive unit led by new captain Casey Williams.

Experienced centre Temepara George is also welcomed back after two years of self-imposed international exile.

George's return is timely given centre Julie Seymour who skippered the side last year, has retired.

Kight's promotion was aided by a pregnant Leana de Bruin's unavailability.

Shooter Daneka Wipiiti was also unavailable as she awaits the birth of her first child.

New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken named a 15-strong squad for a eight-match programme starting with three games against the World selection in August.

Five tests against Australia follow in September.

"While there are definitely some challenges ahead, this is a great group of players who will work extremely hard to ensure success for the Silver Ferns," Aitken said.

The selection of Williams as Seymour's successor was not unexpected.

"Casey is a formidable competitor who is widely respected across the netball world," she said.

"Her commitment and determination are qualities we value highly."

The 31-cap goalkeep was delighted to be named the 23rd captain of the Silver Ferns.

"To wear the black dress is an honour in itself but even fewer get the opportunity to captain the side," Williams said.

The squad will be trimmed to 12 on August 21 for the matches against the World 7.

Four players - Erika Burgess, Jodi Tod, Jess Tuki and Larissa Wilcox - have been invited to trial with the squad and up to three may be added before the Australian series.

Silver Ferns squad
Liana Barrett-Chase (Steel), Maree Bowden (Tactix), Temepara George (Mystics), Katrina Grant (Steel), Paula Griffin (Pulse), Joline Henry (Magic), Charlotte Kight (Tactix), Laura Langman (Magic), Camilla Lees (Pulse), Sheryl Scanlan (Steel), Wendy Telfer (Steel), Anna Thompson (Tactix), Maria Tutaia (Magic), Irene van Dyk (Magic), Casey Williams (Magic, captain).

2009 schedule
Aug 24 v World 7, Wellington
Aug 26 v World 7, Rotorua
Aug 29 v World 7, Auckland
Sept 6 v Australia, Sydney
Sept 9 v Australia, Melbourne
Sept 13 v Australia, Brisbane
Sept 20 v Australia, Invercargill
Sept 23 v Australia, Auckland

- NZPA