George Retires, Cullen And Naoupu Named in Ferns Squad

MEDIA RELEASE

1 August 2011
George Retires, Cullen And Naoupu Named in Silver Ferns Squad

Silver Ferns vice-captain Temepara George today announced her retirement from international netball after amassing a stunning 89 test caps for New Zealand.

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken says Temepara has been an outstanding athlete and important part of the Silver Ferns leadership team, having been in the Silver Ferns programme for over 10 years.

“We are very sad to see her go but wish her all the very best as she moves on with the next stages of her life,” said Aitken.

The National Selectors have named nineteen year old Kayla Cullen (Mystics 2011) and twenty-one year old Julianna Naoupu (Magic 2011) as the two new additions to be contracted into the 2011/2012 Silver Ferns squad. NZU21 teammate; Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick and National Accelerant Squad defender Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit have also been invited to the upcoming Silver Ferns camp in September, giving them an additional opportunity to push for a Silver Ferns squad contract.

Aitken says the inclusion of Cullen and Naoupu highlights the value of the ANZ Championship as young players are now getting greater opportunities which is helping to build player depth.

“Both Kayla and Julianna have had strong ANZ Championship seasons and have continued their form with the NZU21 team, they have earned their place in the squad. Looking towards the next four year cycle it is now time to give these young players an opportunity to take their game to the next level and grow a core of players that will progress through to the next World Champs,” she said.

The Silver Ferns team and new captain will be announced following the Silver Ferns selection camp.

ENDS

The Silver Ferns squad is:
Leana de Bruin
Kayla Cullen*
Katrina Grant
Paula Griffin
Joline Henry
Laura Langman
Cathrine Latu
Camilla Lees
Liana Leota
Julianna Naoupu*
Grace Rasmussen
Anna Scarlett
Anna Thompson
Maria Tutaia
Irene van Dyk
Casey Williams (unavailable for selection in 2011 due to ankle surgery)

*New Additions to Squad.

Invited Players to also attend the Silver Ferns Squad camp:
Sulu Tone-Fitzpatick
Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit

Notes to editor:

PLAYER PROFILES:

Name: Kayla Cullen
DOB: 13.02.1992
Height: 1.83cm
Position: GD, WD
Ethnic Origin: NZ Maori, Nga Puhi
Place of Birth: Auckland, New Zealand
ANZ Championship History: Mystics, 2010-2011
Playing History: NZU21, 2008-2011
NZSS, 2008-2009

Name: Julianna Naoupu
DOB: 01.03.1990
Height: 1.82m
Position: GA, GS
Ethnic Origin: NZ Samoan
Place of Birth: Christchurch
ANZ Championship History: Magic 2011, Southern Steel 2008-2011
Playing History: NZU21, 2006-2009

Silver Ferns Camp Invitees:

Name: Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick
DOB: 20.08.1992
Height: 1.88m
Position: GD, GK
Ethnic Origin: NZ Samoan
Place of Birth: Auckland
ANZ Championship History: Mystics 2010, Magic 2011
Playing History: NZU21, 2009-2011
NZSS, 2008-2010

Name: Te Huinga Reo Selby Rickit
DOB: 03.04.1989
Height: 1.84cm
Position: GK, GD
Ethnic Origin: NZ Maori, Ngati Rakawa, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Porou
Place of Birth: Hamilton, New Zealand
ANZ Championship History: Steel 2008 -2011
Playing History: NZ Accelerant Squad: 2010-2011
NZU21, 2004-2009

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