Netball: Teams angry over Latu ruling

A decision by Transtasman Netball League bosses to grant the Northern Mystics special dispensation to include Cathrine Latu as a third ineligible player has been criticised by other New Zealand franchises.

This dispensation was granted to the Mystics following the International Netball Federation's ruling to decline an application for Latu to switch allegiance from Samoa, who she represented at the 2007 World Champs, to New Zealand.

Latu joins former Fijian international Vilimaina Davu and English shooter Pamela Cookey as the three ineligible players in the Mystics side for the upcoming ANZ Championship.

League general manager Anthony Everard said in granting the dispensation, TTNL was acting in a consistent manner with the intent of the eligibility rules, which are in place to protect and enhance the pathway of New Zealanders towards Silver Ferns.

"There were a number of factors involved in this decision; Cathrine was born in New Zealand, she is a New Zealand citizen and has now indicated formally to Netball New Zealand her playing future rests in New Zealand only," said Everard.

But the exemption has angered other teams, who believe the rules are not being applied consistently.

Given the Southern Steel had major problems convincing Netball New Zealand to let them sign just one import player this season, chief executive Julie Paterson said it was disappointing to see the Mystics allowed three.

"It's very frustrating, it's difficult to not question if there's one rule for one and another rule for others. And I'm not saying that's what has happened, but it's difficult for that question not to be in my mind," said Paterson.

"Situations like this highlight part of the problems around the eligibility rule where you are allowed to apply for a second ineligible player if there's extenuating circumstances. So it just creates opportunities for situations like this to arise."

Mystics chief executive Mark Cameron acknowledged there was likely to be a backlash from other franchises, but believed it would have been unfair for the TTNL to exclude Latu.

"We believe the decision is fair, logical and commonsense," said Cameron.

"Our rationale was that Cathrine is a New Zealander, she will one day be eligible for the Silver Ferns. The rules are there to protect the development pathways for young New Zealand players and given Cathrine wants to represent the Silver Ferns, those pathways should be open to her."