The Australian Diamonds have unveiled their 15-player squad to face New Zealand in next month’s Constellation Cup.
Star defenders Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce return for the tussle against Super Netball’s newest recruit Grace Nweke in what will be her last appearance for the Silver Ferns before heading down under.
Nweke will remain ineligible for New Zealand representation while she takes part in Super Netball for the NSW Swifts.
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The Diamonds will take six defenders into the series, with Weston and Bruce joined by the quartet who helped Australia win the series over England – Sarah Klau, Sunday Aryang, Tilly Garrett and Rudi Ellis.
But there’s no room in the squad for rising star Ash Ervin, who was named against England but never debuted.
Amy Parmenter will also miss after playing just half a game in those three games against the Roses.
Young Georgie Horjus retains her spot in the squad despite not featuring in any of the three England Tests.
Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich was excited by what her 15-strong squad could achieve against New Zealand.
“It’s a great opportunity to further explore our combinations with the inclusion of Jo and Courtney, and also the integration of players who have been evolving in both their individual performances and as a unit,” she said.
“We have versatility in the rotations that we can play, and we will continue to attack the opposition in a variety of different ways.
“There’s no greater challenge than playing the Silver Ferns in New Zealand … not only are we trying to solidify the way we want to play, but we want to be able to do it away from home.”
The first two Tests will be held in New Zealand on October 20 (Wellington) and October 23 (Auckland) before heading to Australia.
The Diamonds will then host game three in Perth on October 27 and Melbourne on October 30.
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