Netball: Two rookies in Aussie squad

Renae Hallinan's outstanding form for the Vixens has been recognised by the Australian selectors. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Australian netball coach Norma Plummer has unveiled newcomers Johanna Curran and Renae Hallinan in the Diamonds team which will tackle a world invitational side in Adelaide next month.

West Coast Fever defender Curran and Melbourne Vixens midcourter Hallinan were rewarded for outstanding seasons in the transtasman league and will wear the green and gold for the first time on September 2.

Plummer elected to name a 16-player squad for a busy international season which will see Australia take on fierce rivals New Zealand in a five-test home and away series.

Australia will also contest the World Netball Series in October where the world's top six netball nations will compete in the inaugural tournament in Manchester, England.

The modified event, where teams will play a shorter, fast-paced match over four six-minute quarters, will be followed by a test against England and two against Jamaica in Kingston.

After a five-day camp at the Australian Institute of Sport, Plummer cut her training squad from 22 to 16 with Emily Beaton, Chelsey Nash and Jo Sutton missing out.

Caitlin Bassett, Shae Bolton and Madison Browne are on Australia under-21s duty.

Plummer says she will continue to name her team on a game by game basis.

"I am really pleased by the quality of players and the work effort they put out ... the standard was remarkable," Plummer said.

"Their work ethic was amazing. Everybody knew that the pressure was on and everybody lifted to the program and they really put out excellent netball. "The reason for picking the squad for the series was to have the depth to cover any issue that might come up. "We want to be able to have flexibility with announcing the team.

"That's why we've kept it open by naming a squad of 16 and we'll name a team as we go."

Queensland star defender Laura Geitz has been included in the squad but missed out on the first team selection after injuring her hand.

"Geitz's injury was unfortunate but she could be back," Plummer said.

"From what we saw this morning she is not too far away."

A dreadful season in the ANZ Championship that saw the NSW Swifts finish second-bottom didn't affect national selection with three players, Catherine Cox, Susan Pratley and Kimberlee Green being named for the season's opening match.

ANZ Championship premiers Melbourne are well represented in the squad with five players in the squad led by captain Sharelle McMahon.

Australia team to play world selection
Julie Corletto, Catherine Cox, Johannah Curran, Susan Fuhrmann, Mo'onia Gerrard, Kimberlee Green, Renae Hallinan, Sharelle McMahon (capt), Lauren Nourse, Susan Pratley, Caitlin Thwaites, Natalie von Bertouch (vc).

Australia squad for international season
Kate Beveridge, Bianca Chatfield, Julie Corletto, Catherine Cox, Johannah Curran, Susan Fuhrmann, Laura Geitz, Mo'onia Gerrard, Kimberlee Green, Renae Hallinan, Sharelle McMahon (capt), Natalie Medhurst, Lauren Nourse, Susan Pratley, Caitlin Thwaites, Natalie von Bertouch (vc).

- AAP