Netball: Being part of game's ultimate test

Silver Ferns Kayla Cullen, Leana de Bruin and Jodi Brown. Photos / Getty Images

Three Silver Ferns tell Dana Johannsen what it means for them to represent New Zealand at a World Cup.

The new kid: Kayla Cullen

Versatile defender Kayla Cullen hasn't had a great deal of luck when it comes to pinnacle events. After a breakthrough 2011 ANZ Championship season, Cullen narrowly missed selection for the last World Cup in Singapore, before making her international debut at 19 later that year. Still eligible for the 2013 World Youth Cup in Glasgow, where she was expected to star, a serious knee injury on the eve of the tournament ruled her out of New Zealand's title-winning run. The injury also kept Cullen out of last year's Commonwealth Games.

"This is my first big tournament, so I don't really think it has hit me yet what a big deal it is. I'm just really excited about it, I don't feel nervous - the nerves might hit later - I can't wait to get there and experience what it is all about.

"It is going to be really tough, playing day after day is going to be hard on the body - it's the ultimate test and I'm just excited to be a part of it."

The old-stager: Leana de Bruin

Leana de Bruin will be one of three players in Sydney appearing in a record fifth consecutive World Cup, along with England's Sonia Mkoloma and Rhonda John-Davis of Trinidad and Tobago.

De Bruin's first world tournament was in 1999 with South Africa, before moving to New Zealand the following year. The veteran defender says she never thought she'd be good enough to represent the Silver Ferns, let alone go on to represent them in four World Cups. With 127 caps to her name (93 for New Zealand), the 38-year-old is the most-capped player in the Ferns line-up.

"As a netballer it's the pinnacle event in your career. They only come around every four years and it is such an honour to be a part of them. I've obviously been to a few before and it doesn't get old - it is always a huge buzz to be a part of. It isn't just about what is taking place on the court, it's where everyone who loves the game gets together."

The returning star: Jodi Brown

Jodi Brown is one of only two players - de Bruin being the other - who knows what it is like to win a World Cup.

She was one of the rookies in the team that took out the 2003 tournament in Jamaica. She also knows what it is like to look on from the sidelines, missing the 2011 World Cup after taking time out from the sport to start a family.

The mother-of-two is delighted to get another chance to play at a World Cup eight years after her last appearance in Auckland.

"It's always a huge honour to represent your country at the highest level, but it just seems extra special to do it in what is the pinnacle event for our sport.

"To be among New Zealand's top 12 netballers to contest the World Cup is pretty amazing, because this is the event that everyone strives to be a part of. It just inspires me to prove that I am there for a reason and to play with passion and pride."