Development squad members Georgia Tong, Paris Lokotui (Pulse) and Kimiora Poi have been promoted into the Silver Ferns squad to take on England Roses next week at Christchurch.
With the nation still divided under COVID-19 alert levels and Auckland languishing under Level 4 lockdown, coach Dame Noeline Taurua has had to plan around the likely absence of captain Gina Crampton, vice-captain Sulu Fitzpatrick, midcourt Peta Toeava and rookie shooter Grace Nweke.
"It was really important to us to give a full squad for as much time as possible to train together," says Dame Noeline.
"This is an opportunity for Georgia, Kimi and Paris to showcase the form that we've seen from them during the ANZ Premiership, and I know they will ensure the competition for starting spots remains strong.
"We have a limited build-up, but I think we're going to see a true test in character of this Silver Ferns squad and we are grateful to have the opportunity to play these test matches."
The four Auckland-based players have applied for exemptions to travel under Level 4, but seem unlikely to join the squad in camp before the series begins on Monday.
With the rest of New Zealand at Level 2, the three-match series will at least start with strict spectator limits.
Midcourt Poi, 23, helped New Zealand to victory at the 2017 Netball World Youth Cup and made her senior debut against England in 2019.
Neither Tong nor Lokotui - both defenders - have played for the Silver Ferns previously, although Lokotui has represented New Zealand in netball, basketball and water polo at age-group level.
Crampton and Fitzpatrick were named as a new leadership duo, replacing Ameliaranne Ekenasio (pregnant) and Jane Watson (injury) for the England series, but may now miss out on that promotion, due to COVID-19.
Taurua is hesitant to replace them yet, still holding out hope they may join group late.
"I haven't reached that stage yet," she admits. "I'm just taking it one day at a time.
"I feel a bit sorry for Gina and Sulu, knowing that they're first-time captains and vice-captains. They'll be utterly disappointed, but also waiting with bated breathe to get out on court.
"As we get closer to the game, I'll know whether Gina and Sulu do join us. I've got people in mind and the space that we've used to build our leadership programme is now starting to come into fruition."
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