Netball: Trialists announced for Silver Ferns

Central Pulse mid-courter Joline Henry is a notable absentee having withdrawn from this year's international programme after she recently announced she was pregnant. Photo / AP.

The national netball selectors announced today the 25 players who have been invited to trial for positions in the Silver Ferns and national accelerant squads.

The trials will be held in Auckland from August 13-16 and on Monday, August 20 the Silver Ferns team of 12 to play against Australia in the Constellation Cup will be confirmed.

Central Pulse mid-courter Joline Henry is a notable absentee having withdrawn from this year's international programme after she recently announced she was pregnant.

Henry's Pulse team-mate Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit is one new faces who has been extended an invitation to trial, while Magic player Elias Shadrock, who was impressive during the latter stages of the transtasman competition, has also been asked to trial.

Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu said she was looking forward to seeing New Zealand's top netball talent all competing for national squad selection places.

"Trials are the final opportunity for players to impress the national selectors and with this being the first year of building towards the world championships in 2015 we want to give players every opportunity to push for selection," she said.

The Silver Ferns first match against Australia will be on September 16 in Melbourne before the series comes back across the Tasman for matches in Auckland on September 20 and Christchurch on September 23.

Invited trialists:

Current Silver Ferns squad members: Cathrine Latu, Leana de Bruin, Maria Tutaia, Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman, Kayla Cullen, Anna Harrison, Casey Williams, Katrina Grant, Camilla Lees, Paula Griffin, Grace Rasmussen, Anna Thompson

Current national accelerant squad members: Ellen Halpenny, Julianna Naoupu, Jess Tuki, Shannon Francois, Daya Wiffen, Jessica Moulds

Invited players: Elias Shadrock, Keisha Grant, Bailey Mes, Jodi Brown, Gina Crampton, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit

APNZ