Netball: Selection shocks schoolgirl

By Sarah Nealon

Teenage shooter Jodi Te Huna will take her school books with her when she tries out for the Silver Fern world championship netball team in Taupo on Saturday.

The Wellington seventh former was "a bit shocked" when she learned of her selection in the Possibles versus Probables game.

"All through the Star Series people were talking about the trials, but I didn't pay much attention to it," said Te Huna. "I thought the selectors would want more experienced players.

"A friend rang me and said she'd read in the paper that I'd been picked, but I didn't believe her, so I went and bought the paper to see for myself."

The 18-year-old is one of 20 players who will compete for 12 places in the New Zealand team.

Silver Ferns coach Yvonne Willering will name the side on June 1 to meet South Africa next month in the Fisher and Paykel International Series and play in the World Championships in September.

The lineup for Saturday's game is mainly comprised of Silver Ferns or New Zealand Netball squad members, but there are a few newcomers.

New Zealand touch representative Amigene Rangitaawa has made the grade along with Otago Rebels defender Katie Fay.

No players from the Auckland Diamonds - who came third in the Coca-Cola Cup - were selected.

Former double international Louisa Wall missed out, as did Australian-born Lisa Gregory.

Despite being invited to try out for the Ferns in January, Gregory was overlooked after an out-of-sorts season.

Te Huna, who can play from goal keep to centre, was plucked from virtual obscurity by Lois Muir to play for the Capital Shakers.

Two years ago the teenager was living in Wanganui and playing for the town's senior netball team. Muir took the team for a few coaching sessions and was so impressed with the schoolgirl that she invited her to try out for the Shakers.

Te Huna's on-court skills have since have earned her a place in the Talent2000 squad, but she is also making her mark in basketball. The teenager has represented New Zealand in this sport in the under-18 and under-20 sides.

She has been living apart from her family for the last two years and boarding in Wellington for the sake of netball.

When touring, Te Huna makes sure her studies are not neglected.

"I've got bursary this year and I don't want to get behind, so I try to take school work with me."

Possibles: Teresa Tairi, Jo Steed, Belinda Colling, Anna Rowberry, Jenny-May Coffin, Amigene Rangitaawa, Sheryl Clarke, Belinda Charteris, Linda Vagana, Anna Veronese.

Probables: Jodi Te Huna, Donna Loffhagen, Adine Harper, Sonya Hardcastle, Temepara George, Julie Seymour, Lesley Nicol, Bernice Mene, Lorna Suafoa, Katie Fay.