New Zealand-based Kelera Nawai joined the Fijian Pearls in New Zealand yesterday for the test against the Silver Ferns in Wellington tomorrow.

She replaces Unaisi Rauluni who is nursing a leg injury from the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.

Nawai, 17, a former Jasper Williams High School student in Lautoka is a member of the Seniteteva Netball Club.

She left for NZ last year for a three-year netball scholarship at St Andrew’s College in Christchurch.

This will be the second time she plays against the Ferns following the first test in Suva during the Oceania Tri-Series in January at the Vodafone Arena.

Fijian Pearls lost 34 -76.

Netball Fiji president Wainikiti Bogidrau said Rauluni could not recover from her injury to make the tour.

“This trip is really important because it is part of our preparation to the Netball World Cup,” Bogidrau said.

She said playing the Silver Ferns on their own court would be a learning curve for the Fijians.

“We need to achieve our objective. The Silver Ferns is a class act and they are one of the best netball teams in the world. We are going in with our eyes wide open to learn and experience and above all to toughen up for the World Cup.”

Pacific Games gold medallist team members Raijieli Daveua and Losa Tuifagalei are non-travelling reserves, making way for Melbourne-based Jane Costello and Nawai who is a goalshooter.

“The two are important players because they are part of the World Cup campaign. That shows that the Fijian Pearls has a bench ready when other players could not make the team,” Bogidrau said.

The team will go through a strengthening and conditioning on Friday before playing the Central Power Under-23 team. They return on Sunday night.

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