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Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic defender Joline Henry and Auckland Diamond wing defence Victoria Edward were today named in the Silver Fern netball squad to meet Australia in a three-test series in New Zealand in June and July.
New cap Henry and Edward are the only changes from the squad that
won the world championships in Jamaica last year.
Diamond midcourter Anna Rowberry, who last week returned to action from a broken elbow, will again lead the side, which contains no real surprises.
Coach Ruth Aitken said Rowberry's outstanding form in pre-season matches in Adelaide, as well as her leadership in Jamaica, ensured she retained the captaincy.
She said Henry was another to impress in Adelaide in February, where the Silver Ferns were undefeated in eight matches against Australian domestic opposition.
Edward was recalled after her consistently strong form in the National Bank Cup, with Aitken saying she had shown versatility in playing at centre as well.
Edward last played for the Silver Ferns on last year's tour of Britain, where the Silver Ferns beat England in their test series.
Donna Loffhagen has decided to concentrate on basketball with the Olympic Games coming up and Tania Dalton is injured.
The first test against Australia will be in Christchurch on June 30. The second and third tests are in Palmerston North on July 2 and in Hamilton on July 5.
Silver Ferns: Irene van Dyk, Belinda Colling, Jodie Te Huna, Anna Rowberry (captain), Temepara Clark, Adine Harper, Lesley Nicol, Vilimaina Davu, Anna Scarlett, Victoria Edward, Joline Henry, Sheryl Scanlan (nee Clarke).
- NZPA
