Several Gunnedah netballers were among a record number of aspirants hoping to earn a place in the Northern Inland Academy of Sport squad for 2018.
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Over 60 players attended Sunday's trial in Tamworth.
It's the biggest number of triallists for the program and the quality made it a tough job for the selectors of which Gunnedah's Kirstie Fuller was one. Recently named apprentice coach of the 19 and under NSW team, the long-time NIAS mentor has taken a bit of a step back but is still helping out.
New head coach and Netball NSW Regional Development Officer for Northern Inland Sophie Sincock was impressed, and encouraged, with the talent on show.
“We had lots of different trialling areas,” she said.
As well as Gunnedah, the trials drew players from Moree, Bingara, Narrabri, Tamworth and Armidale among other areas.
Sincock counted around 20 that were returning after being part of this years squad.
She said the 2018 program will be pretty similar to this year, although there will be a more concerted focus on developing the fundamental skills as per a directive from the higher level representative coaches.
