Netball: Dynamic George available for Ferns

Temepara George is still considered one of the best centres in the game. Photo / Getty Images

After two years away from international netball, star midcourter Temepara George has made herself available for the Silver Ferns.

The 33-year-old has indicated to the national selectors she will be available to play this year and beyond.

George has not played for the Ferns since their disastrous British tour in May 2007, later making a shock withdrawal from the team just months out from the World Championships after opting to move to Australia to be with former partner Sione Faumuina.

But the Northern Mystics' captain said yesterday she has properly settled back in Auckland and feels she can wholly commit herself to the national programme and is keen to get the chance to add to her 59 test caps.

"I'm actually in the country this time so that helps, and my personal life is all sorted and I'm just really enjoying my netball at the moment," said George.

"I think also the big thing for me was whether I was good enough as well, because you have to be playing at your best if you want to play for the Ferns."

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken said last week players wishing to be considered for this year's squad would need to be available for the national team for the next two years given there are two pinnacle events coming up. It is a condition George is happy to abide by.

She says she is excited about the Ferns' calendar over the next couple of years which includes the inaugural World Series in England this year, the Commonwealth Games next year and the 2011 World Championships.

"I've made a commitment of two years for the team, but obviously I have to be selected in the team first ... But if I do make the team then I'm prepared to give it my all for two years," the dynamic centre said.

"I'm really excited about the challenges over the next two years, especially with the Commonwealth Games and the World Champs, it definitely gives you that fire in your belly." While George is quick to point out there is no guarantee she'll be selected in the Ferns, the veteran midcourter has been in impressive form for the Mystics and is still considered one of the best centres in the game. Her chances of reselection appear to hinge on how willing Aitken is to forgive and forget after George's abrupt departure in 2007.

At the time the talkback lines ran hot with fans angrily accusing the Ferns' linchpin of abandoning her country, and George admits not everyone will approve if she is given another chance.

"Everyone's entitled to their own opinion but when I made the decision [to withdraw] a couple of years ago, that's where I was at that point in my life. Now I'm in a much better place and I feel I can commit to the Ferns and hopefully the selectors will give me that chance."

With George indicating she wishes to be around until at least the next World Championships in 2011, the Mystics are hoping the Silver Ferns' gain will also be their gain. The Auckland franchise are negotiating to secure George for a further two seasons.

The Silver Ferns squad will be named in July after the conclusion of the ANZ Championship.

The test side will be selected after trials in mid-August.