Netball: New Silver Fern in shock about call up

Will Johnston

Taranaki’s Parris Mason couldn’t believe what she heard when Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua told her she was selected for the upcoming Taini Jamison Trophy.

“We had one-on-ones with Noels [Taurua], she sat me down and was like ‘congratulations we’ve picked you in the squad,’” Mason, 21, said.

“She went on to try and tell me more information but had to say, ‘excuse me, do you mean the main squad.’ It was a bit crazy and the tears started coming but I’m very happy.”

Mason, a former New Plymouth Girls’ High School student, and Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic’s Claire O’Brien earned their maiden call up for a three-match test series against the England Roses next month.

Mason was invited to a training camp prior to the squad being announced last week after being one of the standout goal defenders in the ANZ Premiership for the Central Pulse.  

She said being able to earn court time has been crucial for her development.

“I think being able to consistently go out there every week and play close to the full 60 [minutes], you can’t get that improvement anywhere else, so it’s definitely helped me.”

While Mason has played alongside and against a number of players in the squad of 13, she joins teammate Kelly Jackson (née Jury) from the region. Being from the same province, the pair have a strong bond, Mason admits.

The squad will train in area pockets before assembling ahead of the first test on Saturday, September 29 in Auckland.

She said she will make the most of the trainings to earn her first cap.  

“Just because I’ve been selected doesn’t mean it’s an easy way now, I still need to prove myself. Just getting to the bench would be really amazing.”

She will be able to learn from the best as she’s been grouped with Jackson, Burger and Phoenix Karaka at the defensive end.  

“The wealth of knowledge that those three have will be incredible to learn off. Each one brings real difference and being able to absorb what they will give me will be really important.”

Taurua said Mason had already established a strong combination with Jackson during the ANZ Premiership.

“We know what that delivers,” she said. “Parris has a basketball background and has the potential to deliver an edge to our defensive unit and team. She can deliver that man-to-man type of defence and also has an innate awareness of incircle set-up.”

Taurua added her qualities to the current mix of defenders will strengthen the Silver Ferns’ collective unit.

After the England tests, a new squad will be announced before the Constellation Cup against Australia in October.

As for a call up to that squad, Mason said Taurua will see "how we're going to work" in the Taini Jamison Trophy.