New Zealand netball coach Waimarama Taumaunu has cast her net wide in naming 24 players to trial for a spot in the Silver Ferns team for upcoming international series against Australia and Malawi.
Thirteen current squad members have been selected, but Taumaunu has also looked further afield in naming former Central Pulse midcourter Katarina Cooper, a year after ruptured knee ligaments cut short her return to elite netball.
Former Silver Ferns Liana Leota and Joline Henry have also earned a trial as both return to top level netball after time off having babies.
Southern Steel trio Rachel Rasmussen, Courtney Tairi and Phillipa Finch will also trial, and will be joined by rapidly improving young Canterbury Tactix defender Jane Watson.
Trials run over four days in Auckland beginning on August 5, with the team naming scheduled for August 9.
Taumaunu says competition for positions will be as strong as ever.
"Trials are the final opportunity for players to impress the national selectors and with the Commonwealth Games just around the corner, we want to give players every opportunity to push for selection."
Jess Moulds and Julianna Naoupu have both been named subject to medical clearance, while Kayla Cullen wasn't named as she travels to Scotland next month with the New Zealand under-21 team for the world youth championship in Glasgow.
However, Cullen and the Kiwi under-21 team will be under the national selectors' scrutiny as they will be in camp and participate in matches at the trials.
The Silver Ferns play a five-Test series against Australia for the Constellation Cup beginning on September 15, and also have three matches against world No.5 Malawi scheduled for October.
Trialists: Jodi Brown, Leana de Bruin, Katrina Grant, Casey Kopua, Laura Langman, Cathrine Latu, Camilla Lees, Julianna Naoupu, Grace Rasmussen, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit, Anna Thompson, Maria Tutaia, Irene van Dyk; Shannon Francois, Ellen Halpenny, Jessica Moulds, Elias Shadrock; Liana Leota, Joline Henry, Rachel Rasmussen, Jane Watson, Courtney Tairi, Phillipa Finch, Katarina Cooper
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