After winning the Suncorp Super Netball grand final with the Sunshine Coast Lightning, it’s no wonder former veteran Laura Langman made the decision to stay with the Australian franchise to defend the title in 2018.
But whilst she’s happy with her decision, Langman told Newshub exclusively of her disappointment regarding her exclusion from the Silver Ferns.
"I would've loved to have seen how I measured up and I had slight hope that I'd done enough, even though ineligible, I could’ve been asked to be an extra – but that’s not the case," says Langman.
The 31-year-old believes that the governing body are acting in the best interests of the sport in New Zealand, and after playing 141 Tests she does admit the dangling carrot of the Commonwealth Games was tough to resists.
However it's her progression as a player which is still her ultimate priority, although she admits the fern will forever remain a part of her.
"I'm a Silver Fern 24/7 and it’s taken on a new meaning in terms of I know I may not get another opportunity to put on the black dress.
"But it doesn’t matter what dress I’m pulling on, I am also pulling on that black dress," says Langman.
With international eligibility laws recently overhauled in Australia to require just two years to qualify, Langman would now be technically available to play for the Diamonds.
So, has she considered it?
"No, I don't think that will be happening – but it was interesting read."
Langman also weighed in on the controversy surrounding her former Mystics team mate Catherine Tuivaiti, admitting to being "gutted" to also hear of her omission from the Silver Ferns.
"A value of the Silver Ferns is resilience, and I don’t know any other player who has had more resilience than Catty [Tuivaiti].
"Changing teams is massive, it’s huge and she did that and got another lease on life at the Pulse"
Newshub.
