1.00pm
Belinda Colling has withdrawn from the Silver Ferns netball tour of Australia next month.
Netball New Zealand said in statement today that the premier goal attack withdrew from the three-test series due to personal reasons, but it did not elaborate.
The 77-test veteran was also in line to be named captain in the absence of regular skipper Anna Rowberry who is injured.
Colling, 28, was named in the 12-person squad last month, despite speculation over her netball future after she left for Scotland earlier this year with her partner.
Colling did not attend the national championships in September and only announced her availability for the Australian tour which starts on November 13 late last month.
Today's announcement is a major blow for coach Ruth Aitken after Colling was one of New Zealand's best players in the 3-0 trouncing of Australia in July.
Aitken has brought back Waikato mid-courter Amigene Metcalfe, after she was originally named in an extended 18-person squad, but missed the cut for the final 12.
- NZPA
Netball: Colling withdraws from Silver Ferns squad
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