There's a big step up between the ANZ Premiership and the international stage in netball, and Grace Nweke found that out first-hand.
Nweke was a dominant force for the champion Northern Mystics side inside the circle, scoring 852 of her 951 attempts – shooting at 90 per cent efficiency andscoring 205 goals more than the next highest scorer.
Last month, Nweke was rewarded for her work in 2021 with a Silver Ferns debut, where she went up against England's Geva Mentor in the circle during the Taini Jamison Trophy. Nweke played just one half of the three-match series – playing the final two quarters of the second match – and was held to 80 per cent shooting on 20 attempts.
Ahead of this week's three-match series against a New Zealand Men's invitational side, the 19-year-old could see herself with more court time for the Silver Ferns, named as one of five shooters in the squad, though Tiana Metuarau is returning from an injury and will be on a managed load.
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua admitted it was a stark introduction to the top level for the young shooter.
"She was up against one of the best goal keepers in the world in Geva Mentor and once again it showed the growth that needs to happen in Grace's game, but also the difference between ANZ and international," Taurua told Newstalk ZB.
"She was exposed to some degree, but we've been able to pull that back. Once again, it is an opportunity to see if she can actually shift at the international game, but also what we need to do to be able to further develop her game.
"Overall, I think it was a rude awakening against England for Grace but we're definitely looking for that step up in terms of just being stronger and more available in the circle."
Silver Ferns goal shoot Grace Nweke, head coach Dame Noeline Taurua and assistant coach Debbie Fuller. Photo / Photosport
The series against the men's side will be played over three straight days, with games on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, providing the side with a tournament-like style of play as they look to build toward next year's Commonwealth Games.
For Taurua, who has made it clear what she expects from her side in terms of fitness, the format of the series should provide a strong indication of where her team is in terms of the physical and mental strength to front for such a schedule.
"We're trying to plan as best as we can and get conditions similar to what we would experience at Commonwealth Games or worlds, and that does include back-to-back games, so this is an opportunity for us to see what players can do.
"The ability, not only physically, but also mentally to be able to handle the men one game at a time, back-to-back, but also what they need to do in regards to learning in a short space of time. This is just a stage in the build up towards the Commonwealth Games, but we'll be able to see those players who have a lot of growth to go, but also those ones who have potential as we head into next year."
Captain Gina Crampton also returns to the squad after an adductor strain injury suffered against England and will have her workload managed, but injured defender Sulu Fitzpatrick is missing from the side, with Silver Ferns development squad members Georgia Tong and Paris Lokotui retained for the series in an inexperienced defensive unit.
