COMPETITION for places in Fiji’s squad for the Netball World Cup qualifiers intensified as players battled for selection during the first day of the invitational series on Monday.
The series will help selectors identify the final 12 players who will represent Fiji at the World Cup qualifiers in Tonga, with every athlete eager to secure a place on the touring team.
Head coach Michelle Parsons said the standard of the trial reflected the importance of the occasion, with players contesting every possession and pushing each other throughout the session.
“The girls were contesting hard for everything because obviously it’s a selection piece for them. This is who gets to make the 12 that are going to Tonga for the World Cup qualifiers.”
Parsons said the coaching staff had challenged players to execute their skills under pressure, make smart decisions and remain patient throughout the trial. She was pleased to see those areas reflected on court, while the defensive units also responded well by applying pressure and actively looking to force turnovers.
The trial also allowed the coaching staff to assess different player combinations after mixing up units during the session.
Parsons said the athletes adapted well to the changes and continued to perform despite playing alongside different teammates.
“We’ve asked the girls to look down, to think about skill execution, to make good decisions, and to be patient, and I think we saw a lot of that.”
She added that defenders were encouraged to play aggressively and disrupt the opposition rather than simply containing them, even if it meant taking calculated risks.
The strong performances throughout the trial have left selectors with a difficult task ahead of naming the final squad.
“It’s gonna be a really tough decision for the selectors.”
The final 12-player squad will represent Fiji in Tonga, where they will compete in the Netball World Cup qualifiers with a place at the next World Cup at stake.
Faith Burton, left, of Fiji Black wins possession against Ana Tolia Nuku of Fiji Blue during the Fiji Netball Invitational tournament at the Vodafone Arena in Suva on Monday, August 03, 2026. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
