By Ashlee Tulloch
The first Silver Ferns trials in four years have not only been intense for the players, new coach Waimarama Taumaunu admits it has been hard making the tough calls.
“First part was last night telling some people that they didn’t make the possible versus probables game and they can read into that what they wish,” Taumaunu says.
Noticeably former Silver Ferns shooter Paula Griffin was missing today’s probables versus possibles game, suggesting she has already been told she has not made the team.
“I think most people who went on court today were pretty grateful to be there,” Taumaunu adds.
It’s not the be all and end all for those players who are not named in Monday’s side to play in the Constellation Cup though, there could still be changes to be recalled for the Quad Series later in the year.
Whether or not Elias Shadrock ends up making the cut this time or not, she says she has relished the experience over the week.
“It’s just awesome to be with the girls and to stay another day, and just be involved in this environment’s been awesome,” she says.
With Joline Henry pregnant wing defence has been a focal point for the selectors and Kayla Cullen is eager to take that spot, and it appears after getting some game time in the mid court she could be Laura Langman’s back up at centre.
“I think they’re trying to push me out to the defensive circle which is kind of sad because I’ve just got used to playing there,” Cullen says. “I think the mid court will be a nice change and something new and fresh to try.”
With so much talent emerging even the most seasoned campaigner says she doesn’t envy Taumaunu’s job.
“There’s a lot of (girls) that put their hands up,” Irene van Dyk says. “I’m glad I’m not a selector to be quite honest because I wouldn’t want to make that choice.”
So while those off the court make the touch decisions, the wait has just begun for the ones on it.
3 News