Temepara George has remained unavailable for the Silver Ferns' world championship campaign. Photo / Getty Images
The New Zealand netball selectors have made no changes to their squad for the world championship in Auckland in November.
They today announced an unchanged squad of 12 who lost a recent test series 1-2 to Australia.
Despite talk mid-courter Temepara George would return to the squad, the
Harbour Force player issued a short statement confirming her unavailability for the championships. George withdrew from the tests against Australia and Jamaica earlier this month due to personal reasons.
Coach Ruth Aitken said there were some tough selection decisions but she was confident the players selected will develop as a unit over the coming months.
"We have a lot of hard work to do over the next four months as we take our game to another level in preparation for the World Champs but we know this team has shown their tenacity and composure as they played into extra time in the test in Melbourne. It's about taking learnings from both the good and the bad from our recent tour."
"We believe this is a group of athletes who are extremely committed to the campaign ahead and are each prepared to give it everything they have got," Aitken said.
The Silver Ferns are currently resting and will regroup in September where they will take part in fortnightly training camps around the country.
Silver Fern squad members Anna Scarlett, Liana Barrett-Chase, Daneka Wipiiti, Jade Topia and Debbie White will be included in the programme through to November at various times.
The Silver Ferns will play Malawi in the opening match of the World Championships on Saturday 10 November, with the tournament concluding on Saturday 17 November.
SQUAD
Shooters: Irene van Dyk (Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic), Maria Tutaia (Auckland Diamonds), Jodi Te Huna (Otago Rebels), Paula Griffin (Auckland Diamonds)
Midcourt: Adine Wilson (Southern Sting, captain), Maree Bowden (Canterbury Flames), Laura Langman (Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic), Julie Seymour (Canterbury Flames)
Defence: Leana de Bruin (Northern Force), Casey Williams (Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic), Joline Henry (Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic), Sheryl Scanlan (North Force).
- NZ HERALD STAFF, NZPA
