Netball to nappies for Wipiiti - June 11, 2009
The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel is calling in the reinforcements after shooter Daneka Wipiiti announced her pregnancy today.
Sydney-based Megan Dehn, a member of the Steel team last year, will arrive in Invercargill tomorrow to train with the team. Dehn, a former Australian player with numerous test caps under her belt, also trained with the Steel in Perth last weekend.
Wipiiti, a talented Silver Fern, and her partner Joe Tuineau are expecting their first child in December. She is yet to confirm when she will call time on this year’s ANZ Championship and has been in impressive form lately.
“It was an unexpected surprise but we are really excited about our Christmas baby and the journey ahead,” Wipiiti said. “I’m both excited and, like any first-time mum I guess, a little bit nervous as well.”
While unavailable for Silver Ferns selection this year, Wipiiti said she hoped to return to netball’s elite ranks, with a focus on the 2011 World Championships.
“There is a bigger priority than just me and my netball career now, but it will make me even hungrier to succeed in the future,” she said.
The Steel’s next assignment is against the LG Mystics in Invercargill on Monday, June 15.
Southern Steel chief executive Julie Paterson said the franchise had approval from the ANZ Championship governing body, Trans-Tasman Netball Limited (TTNL), for a permanent replacement player should Wipiiti decide to withdraw before the end of the season.
Netball New Zealand, TTNL and the competition’s players’ association then approved a special dispensation to allow an ineligible player – Dehn – to fill that role.
“It’s great to have Megan available. She will be able to slot straight back into the team if required as she knows our culture, she knows our training styles and she knows our game plans,” Paterson said. “She’s an experienced player with a lot to offer so it would be great to have her back in Steel colours.”
While a player of Wipiiti’s calibre would undoubtedly be a loss to the team, Paterson was confident the Steel had the depth to continue its semi-final quest should she choose to withdraw.
“Daneka is a key component of our team culture both on and off the court. This is a very exciting time for her and Joe and we wish them all the best for the journey ahead,” she said.
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