Nicholson makes International comeback
North Harbour's Tania Nicholson has been called into the Vodafone Silver Ferns for the upcoming Fisher & Paykel Series.
The 28-year-old Force goal shoot and goal attack replaces the unavailable Donna Loffhagen and will be part of the team for all five tests - two against Team Pasifika and three against the World 7.
Nicholson made her New Zealand debut against South Africa in 1996, but has not played for the Ferns since then.
'I'm rapt to be given the opportunity,' Nicholson said. 'It's ironic. In the past few years I've just concentrated on enjoying my netball and not worrying about higher honours.
'Playing for enjoyment is a philosophy I'm keen to take into the Fisher & Paykel Series because I seem to be playing better for it.' Vodafone Silver Ferns coach Yvonne Willering said Nicholson was chosen given the selection policy of picking on form.
'Tania had a very strong Coca-Cola Cup, proving to be a mobile goal attack. And her shooting stats were right up there,' she said. 'Having also been a Fern, she's familiar with the environment and I'm sure she'll make a valuable contribution to the team.' Willering said Belinda Colling, a dual international like Loffhagen, was also contacted and considered for selection, but was still not fully fit following recent knee surgery.
For further information, please contact:
Yvonne Willering or Tania Nicholson
Vodafone Silver Ferns Tel 021-669 2900
Tel 021-833 7944 or 021-274 1431
Kerry Manders
Communications Manager
Netball New Zealand
145 Manukau Road
Epsom
ph 09 623 5779 or 021 410 970
Fax 09 623 5777
The 28-year-old Force goal shoot and goal attack replaces the unavailable Donna Loffhagen and will be part of the team for all five tests - two against Team Pasifika and three against the World 7.
Nicholson made her New Zealand debut against South Africa in 1996, but has not played for the Ferns since then.
'I'm rapt to be given the opportunity,' Nicholson said. 'It's ironic. In the past few years I've just concentrated on enjoying my netball and not worrying about higher honours.
'Playing for enjoyment is a philosophy I'm keen to take into the Fisher & Paykel Series because I seem to be playing better for it.' Vodafone Silver Ferns coach Yvonne Willering said Nicholson was chosen given the selection policy of picking on form.
'Tania had a very strong Coca-Cola Cup, proving to be a mobile goal attack. And her shooting stats were right up there,' she said. 'Having also been a Fern, she's familiar with the environment and I'm sure she'll make a valuable contribution to the team.' Willering said Belinda Colling, a dual international like Loffhagen, was also contacted and considered for selection, but was still not fully fit following recent knee surgery.
For further information, please contact:
Yvonne Willering or Tania Nicholson
Vodafone Silver Ferns Tel 021-669 2900
Tel 021-833 7944 or 021-274 1431
Kerry Manders
Communications Manager
Netball New Zealand
145 Manukau Road
Epsom
ph 09 623 5779 or 021 410 970
Fax 09 623 5777