Silver Ferns defender Katrina Rore has been ruled out of this week's four-team netball series with a calf injury.
Silver Ferns defender Katrina Rore. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz
Set to make her return to international following her recall into New Zealand's squad for next month's World Cup, Rore will miss the series against an All Stars selection, Fiji Pearls and New Zealand Men's Invitational side.
The Central Pulse captain has been replaced by All Stars defender Michaela Sokolich-Beatson for the series, which starts in Auckland on Wednesday.
Silver Ferns head coach Noeline Taurua said it was a precautionary step taken with Rore, who would be reassessed closer to the start of the World Cup on July 12.
"We want to give Katrina every opportunity to be fit for the Netball World Cup and the medical staff have advised resting her for this series.
"It is a blow for Katrina who has been in outstanding form this season and worked hard to earn her place in the Silver Ferns.
"But she is working closely with our medical team and will remain with the Silver Ferns during this week's series."
Sokolich-Beatson, who made her international debut last year, trained with the New Zealand squad at last week's camp in Australia after being named as a non-travelling reserve for the World Cup.
"Michaela is an obvious choice to make the step up after being with the Silver Ferns in our training camp on the Sunshine Coast," Taurua said.
"She has slotted in well with the team as part of our build-up and adds a different dynamic to our defence line."
Meanwhile, Temalisi Fakahokotau will also miss this week's series in Auckland, having not received medical clearance to play.
The dynamic defender has been recovering from an ACL injury suffered last year and is close to returning to the court.
But the medical staff determined that, while she was continuing to make progress, she was not ready for international play.
Silver Ferns development squad member Holly Fowler had been called into the All Stars team as cover for Fakahokotau and Sokolich-Beatson.
