10 Jun 2014

Halpenny lone new cap in Silver Ferns

3:48 pm on 10 June 2014

The shooter Ellen Halpenny is the only new cap in the New Zealand netball team named for next month's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Recalled to the side are midcourter Lianna Leota and defender Anna Harrison.

Leota last played for New Zealand in 2011 having been based overseas since, while Harrison missed last year's international season due to pregnancy.

Leota's return means there's no room the Central Pulse player Camilla Lees.

The Silver Ferns coach Wai Taunaunu says Halpenny, who can play goal attack or goal shoot, has had a strong season for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic who are now through to the preliminary final for the ANZ Championship.

Ellen Halpenny, Cathrine Latu, Shannon Francois and Jodi Brown will all be attending their first Commonwealth Games for New Zealand.

Brown was named in the New Zealand team in 2006, but was forced to withdraw due to injury while Cathrine Latu has previously represented Samoa at a Commonwealth Games.

The Silver Ferns are the defending Games champions, having won gold in Delhi four years ago.

New Zealand has won four Commonwealth Games medals since 1998, including two silver and two gold.

Silver Ferns: Casey Kopua (captain), Laura Langman (vice-captain), Jodi Brown, Leana de Bruin, Shannon Francois, Katrina Grant, Ellen Halpenny, Anna Harrison, Joline Henry, Cathrine Latu, Liana Leota and Maria Tutaia.