KEY POINTS:
World-class centre Temepara George has thrown a monkey wrench into the Silver Ferns world championship title defence by announcing her unavailability for the series against Jamaica and Australia.
George withdrew from trials yesterday, citing personal reasons.
On the surface of it coach Ruth Aitken has been a picture of understanding but behind the facade she is disappointed by George's 'swoon' and has given the volatile midcourter no guarantees she will regain her place.
"It really is that she does need some time out for whatever reason she chooses," Aitken told the Herald on Sunday. "She's been 10 years in the Ferns, it is a long year, and she didn't feel she was able to commit fully to the programme at this time, and we have to accept that decision.
"We'll both sit down at the end of the Fisher & Paykel series but she knows there is no guaranteed road back in. Once you've allowed someone else to put the bib on you face a challenge. Unless she is mentally and physically at her best then she is not in the right space to be in the Ferns."
Aitken gave a glimpse into George's state of mind when she said a recall for the "outstanding player"depended on "whether all the planets were in the right alignment and whether she's in the right space to perform".
In a statement George said the break was for "personal reasons".
"I haven't retired from netball, I am simply taking time out and will reassess my future options in due course," she said.
George is in a relationship with North Queensland Cowboys utility Sione Faumuina. The talented league international was let go by the Warriors last year after a number of booze-fuelled incidents, including an embarrassing rant during a testimonial for the long-serving Awen Guttenbeil.
George said recently that she wanted to move to Townsville to be with Faumuina, a shift that would be untenable to Aitken as it would impact heavily on her world championship preparation. The champs are held in Auckland in November.
George's untimely defection has emphasised the value of having experienced midcourter Julie Seymour in the squad and has also paved the way for Sting centre Liana Barrett-Chase to make an impact.
The freakishly talented 22-year-old has been likened to George in the way she plays the game.
"As always in sport one person's disappointment brings opportunity for someone else," Aitken said. "We've got some great options available to us. We've got the experience of 70-plus caps in Seymour, or the option of bringing Laura Langman into the centre and using Sheryl Scanlan at wing defence."
The team to play against Jamaica and Australia will be announced on Monday.