The emergence of several unheralded youngsters during the early rounds of the ANZ Championship has raised questions over the timing of Silver Ferns squad selections.
Fifteen players were contracted for the 2016 season at the end of last year, with captain Casey Kopua later withdrawing due to pregnancy.
Netball New Zealand contracts up to 18 players a year, but with a number of newcomers unexpectedly starting and thriving this season, many have wondered whether coach Janine Southby should have left a few more spots open.
The likes of 18-year-old Pulse shooter Maia Wilson, who shot an impressive 41 from 42 in last week's narrow loss to the Tactix, Mystics defender Holly Fowler, and the Steel's Jane Watson and Te Paea Selby-Rickit have all been touted as Silver Ferns prospects.
But Southby does not believe her December selections were premature and has warned caution is prudent when promoting young talent.