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Central squad for new National Netball League
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Coach Yvette McCausland-Durie has no doubts about the talent assembled in her 13-strong Central Zone squad for the upcoming National Netball League (NNL) where she is aiming for a top three finish.
There’s an air of excited anticipation in heading into unknown territory as Netball Central prepare for the start of their campaign in the newly-established competition, an away trip against Netball Northern, in Auckland on April 17.
``We have a good balance of experienced players and youth and with that there is a clear intention of building our region’s talent,’’ McCausland-Durie said.
The NNL has been specifically introduced to provide a level of competition that sits immediately below the ANZ Championship but is of a higher standard than the now discarded week-long national championships.
Considered a development competition that underpins the ANZ Championship, the NNL will run for 12 weeks, beginning on April 10 and involve five teams (one from each Zone) playing a double round robin, home and away, culminating in a grand final on June 26.
From Central’s perspective, there is a concerted approach towards engaging and enhancing talent that is likely in the next one to three years to be in a position to contest a space in the Pulse franchise.
Central has a strong record at age-group level and while its NNL squad is young in years with an age range of 15-21, McCausland-Durie is confident they will blossom under the heightened awareness of a more performance-based culture.
``It is a fairly young team but increasing the exposure of each of our players to higher levels of netball with the aim of a top three finish are major targets for the season,’’ she said.
``This new league has got a purpose and is a real opportunity for us to build some depth. It is a new experience for all involved and adds great interest for players and management alike.’’
Only allowed a match-day 10, McCausland-Durie will maintain her squad of 13 throughout the season to maximise opportunities for all involved.
McCausland-Durie is expecting a tough 12-week campaign, the prospect of a week-in week-out competition and simulating a semi-professional environment all adding to the challenges that lie ahead.
``Each of the NNL teams has good playing rosters and will pose a real challenge each week,’’ she said. ``The two rounds format adds to the challenge of being creative in round two and needing to grow performance each week.’’
Players in the Pulse team who are getting little exposure in the ANZ Championship, can, depending on their level of experience, get opportunities for game time in the NNL.
Central Zone NNL squad:
Sheridan Bignall, Karin Burger, Colleen Faleafaga, Rhiarna Ferris, Jermaine Howard-Vallance, Talia Hullena, Tiana Metuarau, Emma May Murray-Fifita, Kimiora Poi, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Api Taufa, Renee Te Riini, Te Amo Amaru-Tibble.
