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George retires, Cullen and Naoupu named in Silver Ferns squad

Tuesday 2 August 2011, 9:00AM

By Netball New Zealand

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Netball NZ
Netball NZ Credit: Netball NZ

Silver Ferns vice-captain Temepara George today announced her retirement from international netball after amassing a stunning 89 test caps for New Zealand.

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken says Temepara has been an outstanding athlete and important part of the Silver Ferns leadership team, having been in the Silver Ferns programme for over 10 years.

“We are very sad to see her go but wish her all the very best as she moves on with the next stages of her life,” said Aitken.

The National Selectors have named nineteen year old Kayla Cullen (Mystics 2011) and twenty-one year old Julianna Naoupu (Magic 2011) as the two new additions to be contracted into the 2011/2012 Silver Ferns squad. NZU21 teammate; Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick and National Accelerant Squad defender Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit have also been invited to the upcoming Silver Ferns camp in September, giving them an additional opportunity to push for a Silver Ferns squad contract.

Aitken says the inclusion of Cullen and Naoupu highlights the value of the ANZ Championship as young players are now getting greater opportunities which is helping to build player depth.

“Both Kayla and Julianna have had strong ANZ Championship seasons and have continued their form with the NZU21 team, they have earned their place in the squad. Looking towards the next four year cycle it is now time to give these young players an opportunity to take their game to the next level and grow a core of players that will progress through to the next World Champs,” she said.

The Silver Ferns team and new captain will be announced following the Silver Ferns selection camp.