Netball: Colling already on the attack five months after first baby

Silver Fern Belinda Colling says she did not come back to sit on the bench and is ready to relieve Jodi Te Huna of the goal attack position.

Five months after the birth of her first child Max, Colling was recalled to the New Zealand side for Saturday's one-off test against Australia.

Colling's last hitout for New Zealand was in July last year when she played a key role in the Silver Ferns 3-0 series win over Australia.

Immediately after the last test she announced she was moving to Scotland with her rugby playing partner Charlie Hore. At that stage she was still in the fold for the return series in November but later withdrew announcing she was pregnant.

While Colling, 30, was careful to avoid the word retirement, many thought they'd seen the end of the strong-willed goal attack. But 15 months later, Colling is back and has her sights firmly set on next year's Commonwealth Games and maybe even beyond.

After what she describes as a rather "difficult birth", Colling eased herself back into training six weeks after Max's arrival in May with an eye on competing in the National Provincial Championships in Dunedin in September.

"As it was my first baby it was a bit unknown," she said from Dunedin. "But mentally I was pretty passionate returning."

While most of her training was on her own, she spent time with a franchise in Newcastle, where she was helping with player development. Her much-anticipated comeback was at the NPC last month when she played for her old side Canterbury.

Although her form was a notch or two below its best, Colling's performances throughout the week were enough to convince Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken that she was ready for a recall.

"I feel like I am halfway through the journey," Colling said. "I am getting there but my strength and aerobic fitness still needs work."

It seems unlikely that Colling will start against the boisterous Australian defence in a week's time. That challenge is likely to be left to incumbent Te Huna, who in Colling's absence has formed a steady relationship with shooter Irene van Dyk.

Colling said she had observed Te Huna's progress from a distance and been impressed with her game.

"It has been quite interesting coming back and seeing the improvement of players like Jodi [Te Huna] and Adine [Wilson]. "It is good ... but in saying that I am not coming back to sit on the bench."

Following the test against Australia, the Silver Ferns head to Jamaica. Colling's partner Hore and baby Max will join her in the Caribbean. The family will then head back to Scotland where Hore is contracted with the Borders club until June.* Silver Ferns v Australia Trusts Stadium, October 29