Netball: Southby makes her mark

Malia Paseka was a bolter in the Silver Ferns' World Cup squad. Photo / Getty

Newly appointed Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby has made a bold statement with the naming of her first national squad, relegating Malia Paseka and Phoenix Karaka to the development team after the youngsters failed to meet fitness standards.

The athletic pair - Paseka a shooter and Karaka a defender - were bolters in Waimarama Taumaunu's World Cup team in August but have now been dropped altogether from the wider Silver Ferns squad after returning poor results in their fitness testing.

Southby said it was important that she set the tone with her first squad naming and the players know from the outset the standards that are expected of the national team.

"Neither [Paseka or Karaka] have come back in the condition that is required so they have missed out and they understand the reasoning for that. We've given them a programme to work on over the next six weeks and we will be supporting them through that so they can get back to where they need to be," she said.

"It's not just about my expectations, the girls need to expect that of each other. The players need to know that when it comes down to those final few minutes that everyone on court is doing their job and they are not going to have to carry any one."

Southby has left the door open for the young pair to return to the squad later in the year ahead of the international season, filling just 14 of a possible 18 contracted positions.

The big winners in today's naming are young midcourter Gina Crampton and defender Storm Purvis, who previously played under Southby at the Southern Steel, along with Tactix defender Jess Moulds.

Experienced defender Anna Harrison also makes her return to the national squad following the birth of her second child.

Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby says the squad is an exciting blend of youth and experience.

"I've been impressed with what I've seen this week. Obviously there's still a long way to go and we'll start bedding down some new structures and plans in January, but we've selected an exciting mix of athletes," Southby said.

"We are at the start of a new four-year cycle, so while we are looking ahead to those major events it is important that we continue to build on the platform that was set this year."

2016 Silver Ferns Squad
Bailey Mes, Cathrine Latu, Maria Tutaia, Ameliaranne Wells, Gina Crampton, Kayla Cullen, Shannon Francois, Laura Langman, Grace Rasmussen, Leana de Bruin, Katrina Grant, Anna Harrison, Jess Moulds, Storm Purvis.

2016 National Development Squad
Ellen Halpenny, Phoenix Karaka, Malia Paseka, Erikana Pedersen, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Samantha Sinclair, Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick, Zoe Walker