Jodi Brown (nee Te Huna) still wants to play for the Silver Ferns at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Photo / Dean Purcell
Shooter Jodi Brown (nee Te Huna) has ruled herself out of contention for New Zealand netball selection this year to focus on other aspects of her life.
Brown, 26, said it was a difficult decision to make but she and new husband Markham Brown wanted to focus this
year on their careers and overseas travel.
"It will be like the honeymoon we never had time to take. I have committed the last 10 years of my life to netball and while there is never a good time to take time out from your netball career, this seemed the best timing for Markham and I," Brown said in a statement.
"I still have unfinished business in Netball. I really want to play for the Silver Ferns at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
"For me it was much better to take a break now, then I will be back in plenty of time to train and focus on a Commonwealth Games campaign."
Brown missed the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne after suffering a serious knee injury a day before the competition started.
She fought back last year and earned herself a place in the starting circle alongside Irene van Dyk in November's world championships final which they lost to Australia in Auckland.
Brown has played 27 tests since making her debut in 2004.
New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken said while Brown would be a significant loss this year, there was time to uncover other shooting options as the Silver Ferns don't play next until September.
"Jodi is a fantastic team member and she will be greatly missed. However, we respect her decision and we are pleased she's not lost to netball," Aitken said.
Brown will play for the Canterbury Tactix in the inaugural trans-Tasman competition before travelling overseas.
"I thought about having the whole year off but the competition is exciting and new and it's a chance to be part of it," she said.
"It's a bit of fun too because I think I lost a little bit of sight of making netball fun and playing the game for the game."
- NZPA
