8 Jul 2016

Top players won't be lured to Australia says Netball NZ

7:26 am on 8 July 2016

Netball New Zealand doesn't believe there will be a rush of local players heading offshore after Netball Australia announced it was dropping its restrictions on imported players.

With the axing of the trans-Tasman competition from next year Netball Australia has decided teams in its new domestic competition will be able to sign any number of international players.

However Netball New Zealand's high performance manager Steve Lancaster doubts top New Zealand players will be lured to Australia, as to be eligible for the Silver Ferns players must be based here.

Steve Lancaster of Netball New Zealand is confident top domestic players won't be lured overseas.

Steve Lancaster of Netball New Zealand is confident top domestic players won't be lured overseas. Photo: Photosport

"It will potentially have some impact on New Zealand players. I'm sure when they are looking to fill their teams with the best players form around the world they will look at New Zealand but equally they are looking at players all over the world.

"Our reservation is the impact on the global game. We see the best players from other countries all flocking into one competition and the impact that might have on the international competitiveness of other teams."

Maria Tutaia shoots for goal in the Silver Ferns' pool games against Australia.

Netball New Zealand is confident top players, like Maria Tutaia, won't be lured to Australia. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Netball New Zealand won't be changing its policy of players having to be based in New Zealand if they want to play for the Silver Ferns - unless they get a dispensation as mid-courter Laura Langman did this year to play for the New South Wales Swifts.

"The board have certainly considered that in recent months in light of changes to the competition model and made it very clear...players need to be playing in New Zealand to be considered for the Silver Ferns," said Lancaster.

Lancaster said Netball New Zealand is still finalising its import policy for the new competition but doubts it will change from the current allowance of one overseas player per team.

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