By JULIE ASH
The national selectors have boosted the defence for this weekend's Silver Ferns trials in Auckland.
Auckland Diamonds defender Leigh Price and Otago Rebels defender Stephanie Bond have been invited to join the 16-member New Zealand squad for three trial games on Saturday and Sunday.
From those trials, Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken will name a team of 12 on Tuesday to compete in a three-test series against England in June and in the world championships in Jamaica in July.
She can make changes to the team until the first day of the world championships.
But it is more than likely that the 12 selected on Tuesday will go through to the championships.
Aitken said Price and Bond's selection came after a series of strong performances in the national league.
"I think they have shown they are knocking on the door and are ready to mix it with the New Zealand squad," she said.
"They have both been playing very well."
She said the inclusion of the two defenders did not mean she was concerned with her present defensive lineup, which includes Vilimaina Davu, Sheryl Clarke, Leana du Plooy and Anna Scarlett.
"Stephanie and Leigh really put their hands up, so they deserve a look.
"They bring different styles to the game."
After four rounds of the national league - which has the Force and Sting leading on 13 points with the Flames on 12 - Aitken said, she had been relatively happy with the standard of play.
"I would say there have been elements of brilliance and some not so good play.
"But I have to keep reminding myself it is early days yet. It is exciting that there are six teams vying for the top spot," she added.vp+9The Silver Fern trialists are: Sheryl Clarke, Temepara Clark (Northern Force), Jenny-May Coffin, Irene van Dyk, Leana du Plooy, Amigene Metcalfe, Joline Henry ( Bay of Plenty/Waikato Magic), Belinda Colling, Vilimaina Davu, Angela Mitchell, Jodi Te Huna (Canterbury Flames), Adine Harper, Lesley Nicol (Southern Sting), Anna Rowberry, Victoria Edward, Leigh Price (Diamonds), Anna Scarlett, Stephanie Bond (Otago Rebels).
Netball: Ferns gain two extra in defence
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