16 Sep 2015

Tutaia to sit out Constellation Cup

2:50 pm on 16 September 2015

Silver Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia will miss next month's Constellation Cup series against Australia.

Tutaia has been given extended leave by Netball New Zealand following the World Cup in Sydney and will not be playing in the four-Test Constellation Cup in October.

Maria Tutaia. Taken at Northern Mystics v Melbourne Vixens, ANZ Championship, Trusts Stadium, Auckland, Monday 25.3.2013 Photo: Anthony Au-Yeung / photosport.co.nz

Silver Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia Photo: Photosport

Despite Tutaia's absence, 11 of the 12-strong World Cup squad will be available for the series.

Silver Ferns coach Wai Taumaunu said "Maria does need time out and it's a bit of a precedent setting exercise for us but the payback is that we get her refreshed and an engaged Maria in December and ready for another year."

Tauamaunu has named 24 players to contest trials for the series.

Four players have ruled themselves out, including Liana Leota and Joline Henry, who have both withdrawn from the Silver Ferns squad after missing out on the World Cup.

Camilla Lees is pursuing her medical career in Britain, while Courtney Tairi continues her recovery from a ruptured achilles suffered during the ANZ Championship.

Experienced defender Anna Harrison makes her return to the Silver Ferns trials following the birth of her second child.

Harrison last represented New Zealand at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The trials will take place in Auckland from 4-7 October, with the Silver Ferns team to be announced on the final day.

Silver Ferns trialists:

Jodi Brown, Cathrine Latu, Gina Crampton, Kayla Cullen, Leana De Bruin, Temalisi Fakahokotau,

Shannon Francois, Katrina Grant, Ellen Halpenny, Anna Harrison, Phoenix Karaka, Casey Kopua, Laura Langman, Bailey Mes, Malia Paseka, Jamie Lee Price, Storm Purvis, Grace Rasmussen, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Samantha Sinclair, Whitney Souness, Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick, Zoe Walker, Ameliaranne Wells.

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