Veteran mid-courter Laura Langman has been savouring every moment of her return to the Silver Ferns fold.
Langman is emerging from a three-year hiatus from international netball after her decision to play off-shore with Australia's Sunshine Coast Lightning saw her deemed ineligible to represent New Zealand.
The 32-year-old has since been granted an exemption by Netball NZ and she's now back in full swing ahead of the upcoming series Quad Series against England, Australia and South Africa, which gets underway in Auckland on Saturday.
"There have been lots of moments where I've just walked out on court and can't believe I'm back," said Langman.
"But the groups really refreshed and we're hitting it with high tempo. It's exciting."
It was clear she hadn't missed a beat at Tuesday's practice as she flexed her on-court vocal chords, barking orders left and right.
"They're probably like 'shut up'," she cringed. "I can't help myself really.
"But when you get into an environment like this the heart starts pumping and the passion comes back.
"I probably need to zip it a bit."
The 70-test centre said she's been impressed by the wealth of new young talent in the squad and encouraged by what she's seen in practice.
"It's been great, we've had two awesome trainings. The intensity's been there and the intent's been there as well.
"Onwards and upwards. It's been a really good start, I think".
The squad will soon cast their vote for a new captain using a points-based system, assigning three points to their preferred candidate, then two points to the next, and so on.
While Langman acknowledges that being nominated would be a privilege, she's more than happy to play a supporting role.
"I quite like being a wingman. I feel like I'm good in that role in terms of just checking in and having the back of anyone that's in [the captaincy].
"I think we have so many awesome people who bring great energy to our group. It's cool to just be the little fairy who makes sure everyone's bringing what they need to.
"Obviously it'd be an honour, but I think there are many other more appropriate people for the role."
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