Belinda Colling's withdrawal from the Silver Ferns' squad before the three-test netball series in Australia has raised doubts over her return to the court.
Coach Ruth Aitken said yesterday that Colling had expressed doubts about her availability despite being named in the 12-strong squad last month.
The star goal attack finally did
what Aitken "thought might happen, but hoped it wouldn't", when she told the coach she was not keen to play.
On top of the announcement, Aitken was uncertain whether the Canterbury Flames' player would be in next year's National Bank Cup.
Colling, aged 28, left for Scotland with her partner in July after New Zealand hammered Australia 3-0 in the home series, and speculation over her wearing the GA bib for the return transtasman series was rife.
Aitken said Colling decided she needed a break. "Her heart's not in it at the moment and she felt she needed more time out. Circumstances have changed with her moving to Scotland and this is an opportunity to have a break. Belinda's still passionate about the game, but she needs to focus on other things."
Asked if Colling would return for the NBC, Aitken said: "No, I'm not sure if she is. She has a wonderful opportunity over there to travel."
Despite Colling's decision, which comes as a major blow after her superb performances in the series against Australia, Aitken emphasised the 77-test veteran was not quitting the game.
"Belinda's unavailable for this tour but I don't think we've seen the last of her."
Waikato wing attack Amigene Metcalfe was yesterday brought back into the squad after missing the team to travel to Australia.
Metcalfe, a Silver Fern in 2002, made the enlarged 18-strong side named after last month's national championships.
Aitken said another mid-court player was chosen to replace a shooter because they needed to bolster their wing attack stocks with Anna Rowberry out after knee surgery. Colling was to provide cover for wing attack.
"We felt Amigene's form indicated she should be the next one to come in," Aitken said.
Dual basketball and netball international Donna Loffhagen was also named in the initial squad, but the goal attack also ruled herself out with study commitments.
Colling was also a leading contender to captain the side, with regular skipper Rowberry sidelined, but Aitken said she had options in Adine Harper, Lesley Nicol, Temepara Clark and Irene van Dyk.
The Silver Ferns play Australia in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne on November 13, 16 and 20.
- NZPA
Belinda Colling's withdrawal from the Silver Ferns' squad before the three-test netball series in Australia has raised doubts over her return to the court.
Coach Ruth Aitken said yesterday that Colling had expressed doubts about her availability despite being named in the 12-strong squad last month.
The star goal attack finally did
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