Hard-working Halpenny rewarded
Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua says new cap Ellen Halpenny offers a fresh perspective for the New Zealanders as they look to defend their Commonwealth Games title in Glasgow.
Halpenny has been rewarded for a strong trans-Tasman netball league season with a call-up to the Silver Ferns, the only new face in the 12-strong squad named on Tuesday by coach Waimarama Taumaunu.
Kopua says Halpenny has worked hard at developing her game, and has been showing the benefit of increased court time at Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic under new coach Julie Fitzgerald.
"She's becoming more confident in her own abilities, and the more opportunities she gets, the better she's getting," she told NZ Newswire.
"Ellen's got a great shot, she's very accurate, and she's also hard-working - she gives it 100 per cent every time, and just about dies every day just to be on court.
"It's inspirational."
Kopua says there's no doubt the Silver Ferns will miss recently retired shooter Irene van Dyk, an integral part of the team since making her New Zealand debut in 2000.
"There's certainly going to be a big hole, and no one's going to be able to fill that."
But there is still plenty of experience, with Maria Tutaia, Cathrine Latu and Jodi Brown joining Halpenny in providing a range of skills and options in the shooting circle.
Taumaunu has also recalled two familiar faces in Liana Leota and Anna Harrison.
Leota last played for New Zealand in 2011 and Harrison missed the 2013 international season due to pregnancy.
Kopua says Leota brings flair and a real ability to marshal the midcourt, while Harrison complements a defensive line-up which has a huge amount experience and ability.
"Liana's amazing - she's got that X factor nobody else has," she said.
"And with the defence, the group we have has been together for a while. Anyone can work with anybody, and it's about hitting those connections out on court."
Halpenny, Latu, Brown and Shannon Francois will all be attending their first Commonwealth Games for New Zealand.
Brown was named in the New Zealand team in 2006, but was forced out by injury while Latu has previously represented Samoa at Commonwealth Games level.
The Silver Ferns leave New Zealand on July 14, and train in Bath in England for a week before heading to Glasgow.
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.
