Netball: Veteran George to miss UK tour

Temepara George. Photo / Getty Images

Veteran midcourter Temepara George will miss the Silver Ferns' tour to Britain next month after having minor ankle surgery.

George, the Ferns' vice-captain, has been troubled by a niggling ankle injury all year and the decision was made to get the problem sorted out before she gets bogged down in a busy 2011 season, which many have speculated could be her last.

It is believed the 35-year-old plans to retire after next year's world championships in July.

"I had a bit of wear and tear in the joint, so I had to get some cartilage cleared out," said George.

"It had been troubling me for a wee while and this was a good window of opportunity to get it done just heading into a compact season with ANZ champs and then the world champs straight afterwards."

There was always a danger she would not be fit for the three-test series against England next month, and medical staff this week advised national coach Ruth Aitken that George is not an option for the tour.

It was a disappointing blow for the dynamic midcourter, but George said she knows she has to do what is best in the long run.

"It is really frustrating, but as you get more experienced you learn to look at the bigger picture and I can live with it if it means I'm going to be right for the ANZ champs and the pinnacle event at the end of it."

George, who hopes to be back running in the next two weeks, will instead have a full pre-season with the Northern Mystics and is expected to be fit for the Auckland side's opening ANZ Championship clash against the Southern Steel on February 14.

Aitken said while ideally she'd like to have her full squad available, this course of action will ensure they get the best from George come July.

"It is important she has that proper entry into ANZ instead of us trying to push her too early," she said.

Aitken will name her squad for the England series next Friday, with George's replacement the only likely change from the 12 who defended their Commonwealth title in Delhi.

But the big question facing Aitken and co are whether they go for a straight swap and replace George with another midcourter like Camilla Lees or Wendy Telfer, or whether they slide attacking utility Grace Rasmussen across as wing attack cover and bring in another shooter.

Lees was impressive for the Fastnet Ferns in their win at the world series in Liverpool last month, but the Ferns' coaching staff appear quite satisfied with their midcourt lines and may instead have another look at their shooting options.

This could open the door for one of the Tactix shooters, Anna Thompson and Ellen Halpenny, to push their case.