Pearls squad faces selection test

The Fiji Pearls 22-member squad preparation will focus on their physical and skills performance ahead of their participation at the Four Nations Spirit Series in Sydney, Australia, from July 8–11.

Head coach Michelle Parsons named a mixture of players yesterday including seasoned defenders Alisi Naqiri, Ema Mualuvu and Kalesi Tawake.

Parsons said the extended side will begin training today; they will train seven times a week, over six days.

The national selectors who helped Parson trim the squad from 94 trialists to 22 included former Pearls captain and Silver Ferns Vilimaina Davu, Bernadette Daurewa, Anasimeci Rakavosa and Taina Rabitu.

“This is really going to test their physical performance, as well as their skills performance, and then we’re looking at our mental resilience and really starting to build that team culture and team environment,” Parsons said.

“The best way to do that is to put them under performance pressure. So that’s what we’re looking forward to in July.”

The final 12 will named before they leave on July 5.

Parsons said these should have a strong fundamental skill set, coordinated balance and speed and agility base following their three weeks’ preparation.

She added while it was a tough task to select the 22 women, naming the final side would be of no difference.

“These girls are going to be doing four strength and conditioning (S&C) sessions a week.

“I need people that already have either the muscle memory or the muscle coordination for us to build on that. It would be too much to expect someone to start from scratch.”

“Beyond that, that game sense, you know, that court sense that you see, and people who bring us something different, you know, that’s their own point of difference. That’s what we’re really looking to grow.

“What’s your individual point of difference and what’s your strength that you bring to court? And each of those girls has something that they add value to the court with.”

The team will also compete in an invitational tournament in August, while overseas-based players are expected to join trials on July 18 against a locally selected side.

The focus will then turn to the Netball World Cup qualifiers in September before the local squad wraps up the year at the PacificAus Challenge in Queensland in North.

FIJI PEARLS 22-MEMBER SQUAD:

Shooters: Cilia Lewatu, Esther Dawai, Leava Savirio, Lydia Panapasa, Matila Vocea, Nina Nakula, Robyn Navoka.

Mid court: Anatolia Nuku, Ateca Buli, Elenoa Rasaubale, Elina Drikibau, Jimaima Kete, Susana Rasaubale, Tuipulotu Vulimailaucala, Vutaeli Tokaduadua.

Defenders: Alisi Naqiri, Elenoa Gukirewa, Ema Mualuvu, Eseta Waqaira, Kalesi Tawake, Nanise Waqaira, Ravaela Koroiravudi.