KEY POINTS:
Temepara George does not regret her decision to leave the Silver Ferns but says she has not lost her passion for the game.
Netball New Zealand confirmed yesterday the 59-test veteran was available for the world championships should centre Laura Langman not recover from the stress fracture in
her foot.
George withdrew from the Silver Ferns in June choosing to move to Australia to be with her partner league player Sione Faumuina. However, she told coach Ruth Aitken that she would be happy to help out should an injury occur in the lead up to the world championships, and continued to train.
Although Aitken is confident that Langman's foot will heal in time, she said it was good to have George and Liana Barrett-Chase, who has been training with the team, as backup midcourt options.
"Laura is doing everything to get right and that is our number one plan. Once the injury to Laura came there were a lot of questions marks over Temepara. It seemed easier at this point to make it clear. But we have been really impressed with Liana Barrett-Chase too."
While some would like to see George, who was an integral member of the world championship and Commonwealth Games-winning teams in 2003-04, back in the side at the expense of Maree Bowden or Julie Seymour, Aitken said that was not going to happen.
"I am really happy with where the team is at."
Teams have up until the opening day of the tournament on November 10 to alter their sides. After that no changes can be made even if an injury occurs.
The Silver Ferns squad, which is the New Zealand team plus George, Barrett-Chase, Debbie White, Jade Topia, Anna Scarlett and Daneka Wipiiti, will gather in Auckland on November 4 for a final hitout before their opening game against Malawi.
"It means that we can have a look at where people are at and also if there is any need to call anyone in who has been doing netball specifics right up to the time," Aitken said.
George, who is home to see her children who are finishing the school year in Auckland, also stressed yesterday she was only available if someone had to withdraw.
"I am hoping that Laura is going to be fine," she said.
While the National Bank Cup final was the last time she took the court, George has not only maintained her fitness but has done some court work with Faumuina, who as a powerful league player is perhaps the ideal training partner for anyone preparing to take on the Australian netball side.
"He has been learning to throw a netball but we have had a few arguments here and there," she laughs.
Since arriving home, George has trained with the Auckland-based Silver Ferns which she will continue to do up until the world championships. She said she felt comfortable during those sessions and would be happy to take the court in the world champs.
She said leaving the Ferns was the hardest decision she has had to make.
"Training with the girls yesterday I realised that the passion is still there but I don't regret the decision that I made. Being a reserve and being a Silver Fern are two different things. People can't say why now"
Based in Townsville, George is still weighing up whether she will play in next year's Tasman Trophy.
Her closest team would be the Queensland franchise based in Brisbane.
"It depends on my lifestyle. I think I am going to play but I am not sure for who and there is so much I have to think about in terms of my family."
The Silver Ferns head to Melbourne for a training camp on Tuesday. George is not available for that camp, however Barrett-Chase will go as a training partner. Langman will also attend but not participate in on-court activities.
