Here we are again.
Four Silver Ferns have been ruled out of Silver Ferns selection after failing to meet the fitness standards set by coach Noeline Taurua.
Sadly it is not the first time.
Famously Taurua has sent players home in the past for not meeting the criteria and did not take captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio to the Commonwealth Games in 2022 as she returned after having her second child.
Taurua has already said the shooting end is of concern ‘‘because of people who we can’t select’’.
That leads to speculation shooters have missed the buck when it comes to fitness standards, and with Te Paea Selby-Rickit already unavailable, it is a worry.
So who will be part of the Silver Ferns?
Grace Nweke and Ameliaranne Ekenasio are always the first names to pen.
Nweke, who will play in Australia next season ruling her ineligible for the Ferns in 2025, is the backbone and captain Ekenasio has been superb for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic this year.
Amelia Walmsley proved to be a good back-up to Nweke against Australia last year.
Southern Steel shooter Georgia Heffernan could get the chance to add to her four caps.
Starting wing attack Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, sidelined with a knee injury, will be the big name missing.
That is a blow and opens the door for Whitney Souness, who has been outstanding during the ANZ Premiership season, to nab a starting spot.
Kate Heffernan and Maddy Gordon have injected a lot to the middle in the past couple of years and are hard to overlook.
They both switch from centre to wing defence nicely, and while Gordon can play wing attack — just look at her form there in the ANZ Premiership final — it does still leave a lack of punch in a back up wing attack.
It could see someone like Kimiora Poi get a recall to the Silver Ferns.
The Tactix captain, who will shift to the Steel next year, has made some big leaps in her game at centre and wing attack since her last test in 2022.
Kelly Jackson surely by now is the first name written down for the defensive end.
There is no denying the strides in her game in the past couple of years and expect Phoenix Karaka to be named with her.
Karin Burger will be there as well and with her Tactix partner Jane Watson making herself unavailable, that leaves another spot open.
Experienced Michaela Sokolich-Beatson? Still waiting her debut Kate Burley? A bolter in Carys Stythe?
You wonder with what could be a lack of experience in the shooting end that Taurua might opt for Sokolich-Beatson to add that stability.
The Silver Ferns play a three-test series against England starting September 29.
Silver Ferns
Possible squad
Shooters: Grace Nweke, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Amelia Walmsley, Georgia Heffernan
Midcourt: Kate Heffernan, Maddy Gordon, Whitney Souness, Kimiora Poi
Defenders: Kelly Jackson, Phoenix Karaka, Karin Burger, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson
Reserves: Martina Salmon, Tayla Earle, Kate Burley
