Grace Nweke is one of four new faces who have been named in the Silver Ferns' squad, while her Northern Mystics team-mate Peta Toeava has earned a recall.
Grace Nweke (left) and Elisapeta Toeava Photo: Photosport
A 17-strong Silver Ferns Squad has been announced and a further nine athletes in the Silver Ferns' Development Squad.
Nweke and Toeava had a major say in the ANZ Premiership grand final when they beat the Mainland Tactix over the weekend to cap off impressive seasons.
Steel midcourter Kate Heffernan has been named in the squad for the first time, as well as two up and coming goal attacks Tiana Metuarau and Jamie Hume.
Despite good seasons, Whitney Souness and Kimiora Poi have dropped down to the Silver Ferns' development squad.
Silver Ferns' coach Dame Noeline Taurua said the depth of talent in the midcourt led to some difficult decisions on the final mix for the Silver Ferns.
"This has been an area which has been extremely competitive and that fight for positions is only going to add to the strength through the middle," she said.
Toeava could now add to her one Test cap in 2018.
Dame Noeline said she had been impressed with the performances of Nweke, Metuarau and Hume throughout the ANZ Premiership and now they needed to take the next step within the Silver Ferns Squad.
The young trio join Maia Wilson, Ameliaranne Ekenasio (currently on maternity leave) and Te Paea Selby-Rickit in the shooting circle.
"We want to be clear that opportunities exist for all players irrelevant of what squad they are selected in. The squad selections are a foot in the door and I know that competition at our camps will be fierce," Dame Noeline said.
Netball World Cup winning shooter Bailey Mes was unavailable for selection due to the management of her ongoing injuries. The priority will now be rest and rehabilitation in preparation for the 2022 season.
A number of players are currently on return to play plans being managed by Netball NZ staff in consultation with ANZ Premiership teams to support their return to international netball.
These players were not considered for selection but will continue to work with Silver Ferns staff in the coming months.
These players include; Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (rehab of her Achilles), Bailey Mes (rehab of her knee), Phoenix Karaka and Katrina Rore (maternity leave), along with Kayla Johnson.
The Silver Ferns will meet the Australian Diamonds in a four-Test series for the Constellation Cup in October, playing on both sides of the Tasman.
Three training camps including all squad members will take place over the next two months, with a Silver Ferns team and captain for the international series to be selected following these.
2021/22 SILVER FERNS SQUAD
Shooters
Ameliaranne Ekenasio (maternity leave)
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Maia Wilson
Jamie Hume
Tiana Metuarau
Grace Nweke
Midcourters
Gina Crampton
Maddy Gordon
Claire Kersten
Shannon Saunders
Peta Toeava
Sam Winders
Kate Heffernan
Defenders
Karin Burger
Sulu Fitzpatrick
Kelly Jury
Jane Watson
2021/22 SILVER FERNS DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
Monica Falkner
Filda Vui
Whitney Souness
Kimiora Poi
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan
Paris Lokotui
Kate Burley
Oceane Maihi
Georgia Tong