Netball: It's life in the fast lane now

Catherine Latu is more committed to training these days. Photo / Getty Images

She is one of only three to shoot a perfect game. She is one of the best on the planet but has been 'without a country' for four years. She looms as successor to the incomparable Irene van Dyk - despite being physically quite different.

Cathrine Latu has been seen as a work in progress but things are moving fast for the Mystics star. In the 2010 ANZ Championship, Latu (92 per cent) was second only to van Dyk (93 per cent) in shooting accuracy. Only three others had more goals than her season total of 411.

Despite the disappointing loss to the Magic on Thursday night, Latu has started the season well. She managed a 100 per cent match against the Pulse in round two, scoring her third 'perfect' game in less than a year. Van Dyk (five times) and Australian Susan Pratley (twice) are the only others who have managed the feat in the history of the ANZ Championship.

Most importantly, her international exile ends in September when Latu will have completed her mandatory four-year stand down, after deciding to switch allegiance to New Zealand following the 2007 world championships (where she represented Samoa).

"Sometimes it felt like time was going to stop," says Latu. "The wait has been very tough."

It was made tougher in the wake of her starring role for the World Seven in 2009 in their unlikely 2-1 series win over the Silver Ferns.

She outpointed Casey Williams in the two victories, a performance that provided confirmation in her own mind that she belonged in that arena.

"It was huge," Latu recalls. "Before that I didn't think I could cut it at that level. They looked different and they had different skills and attitudes. After that series I knew I could be there."

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken: "That series showed to us that she had something quite special. With Cathrine, the more pressure there is the better she likes it."

Latu, one of nine siblings, grew up in the small Bay of Islands town of Kawakawa before moving to Auckland on a netball scholarship at the age of 14. Despite plenty of promise, she admits her undoubted ability has not always been matched in work ethic. When she joined the wider Silver Ferns squad their fitness trainer said she had a training age of a 'one-year-old' - having never really committed to a programme.

"In the past I never really put in, I just went with the flow," says Latu. "I've grown up a lot though and realise the battles are won when no one can see.

"I'm never going to win a marathon but I'm definitely more committed in that area [fitness] now."

Latu, who is stockier than most, admits she still needs to work on her conditioning but is tracking well in terms of fitness targets at the Mystics.

"In the international environment it is about being consistent and being able to back it up," says Aitken. "That is why her conditioning is so important. We train twice a day all week and then play a game. For her to survive a Silver Ferns camp, she has to make some adjustments there - but there has been a real change in attitude which is the most important thing."

Despite her larger frame, she is extremely agile and incredibly strong. Latu was the fourth best offensive rebounder in the competition last year, ahead of van Dyk, Daneka Wipiiti and Catherine Cox among others.

"I like to think I am available at all times for my team-mates and I will give an arm and a leg to get there when the ball is in the air," says Latu.

Aitken: "She has a great leap and reach and is so secure with her handling. If she gets a fingertip to the ball it's hers, she makes bad passes look good."

Latu and Williams enjoyed a real battle on Thursday night. One Latu interception off a Maria Tutaia deflection was divine anticipation, before Williams showed her class in the final quarter, twice denying Latu under the post.

"She is their rock," says Williams. "She is incredibly strong and very hard to mark. She has such a range of abilities and moves and her size is actually a strength."

Latu is a fan favourite at the Northern franchise, often the last to leave autograph sessions after a game. Her Ferns future is just around the corner but until then she is firmly focused on spurring the Mystics to their first-ever top four finish.

"Everybody has labelled us as underachievers and that has got to stop this season."