THE Crest Fiji Pearls netball team are embracing a new challenge after head coach Michelle Parsons named her 30-member squad following the conlcusion of the national trials last week. The extended squad consists of local and international players. The selection of the extended squad is the first step towards selecting the 12-member squad, which must be confirmed by August 3.
Parsons said the extended squad gave the coaching staff a larger pool of players to work with before making the final selection.
“On August 3 we have to name our final 12. The priority now is working with this group over the couple of weeks before we make that final decision,” Parsons said.
Parsons admitted the selection process had been highly competitive, with overseas-based players increasing competition across every position.
“It’s incredibly tough and I love that it is,” she said.
With competitiveness displayed in the national trials, the coaching staff, however, have finalised the extended squad for the Crest Fiji Pearls team.
Shooters; Elina Drikibau (Fiji), Ilisapeci Adrole (NZ), Leehava Saverio (Fiji), Maliana Rusivakula (Dubai), Maria Lutua-Rusivakula (UK), Matila Vocea (Fiji), Nina Nakula (Fiji), Solei Toganivalu (QLD), Titilia Buloubuli (Dubai), Vilimaina Kagi (NSW). Midcourt; Abbie Leger (NZ), Ana Moi (NZ), Anatolia Nuku (Fiji), Asilika Sevutia (UK), Faith Burton (QLD), Jima Kete (Fiji), Mykaella Chandra (NZ), Sainimere Tagicakiverata (Fiji), Teuila Sotutu (NZ), Vuta Tokaduadua (Fiji). Defence; Alisi Naqiri (Fiji), Elenoa Gukirewa (Fiji), Ema Mualuvu (Fiji), Eseta Waqaira (Fiji), Frances Vula (Fiji), Josephine Nailumu (Dubai), Loata Talilevu (Dubai), Nani Waqaira (Fiji), Naviniya Sivo (QLD), Shaid Sasalu (VIC).
