Netball: Corletto will miss rest of the year

Julie Corletto will miss the remainder of this year's international netball programme. Photo / Getty Images

Australia defender Julie Corletto will miss the remainder of this year's international netball programme after opting to undergo a right knee arthroscopy immediately in Australia.

Corletto, who's been dogged by knee injuries in her 35-test career, will undergo the procedure on Saturday morning in Melbourne, which will see her sidelined for the third Constellation Cup test in Christchurch and upcoming Quad Series also involving England and South Africa.

The Silver Ferns have already claimed the Constellation Cup after their 50-49 win in Auckland last night.

"I'll be watching the girls from the couch again like I did back in 2010 for the Commonwealth Games so hopefully the girls can get the job done in Christchurch,'' Corletto said.

"I've got so much confidence in the girls, we've got a strong squad of 15 players so whoever the coaches put in the team will do a great job on Sunday.''

Corletto is hoping to be back on court in time for her first pre-season with the Northern Mystics in the ANZ Championships and available for Australia's proposed UK tour in January.

The Diamonds travel to Christchurch with a 14-player squad. Coach Lisa Alexander has opted not to replace Corletto ahead of Sunday's third and final Constellation Cup test.

"It's going to put a hole in our defence, there's no doubt about that, but we've got great depth at that end of the court and I know that the other four defenders are going to be really keen to get out there and make up for it,'' Alexander said.

"Julie can be reassured that we'll be doing everything we can to cover her loss and we wish her well because we know this is what she needs to do.''