Penrith netballer Paige Hadley says it never gets old hearing her name called out as a member of the Australian Diamonds squad.
Last week the 23-year-old was once again announced as a member of the world champion Diamonds, who will travel to England in January for a three match series.
Hadley, who this year represented Australia at the Netball World Cup and recent Constellation Cup against New Zealand, said she was thrilled to be part of the team yet again.
“I think any time you get a chance to wear the green and gold dress is pretty special, and to get to go to the UK as well is going to be something different,” she told the Weekender.
“I’ve only ever been to Glasgow in the UK before but not London or Manchester. I’m so excited even though it’s going to be freezing when we are over there.”
The last time the Diamonds toured England, they were thrashed in the series 3-0.
However a lot has changed since their 2013 loss with new teammates and a refreshing air of confidence in the Australian team having just won the Netball World Cup back in August.
Hadley said she and her teammates will be out to turn around the efforts of the last time the Diamonds toured England.
“In 2013 when they lost 3-0 in the series, it pretty much sparked that something needed to change,” she said.
“The training program is going to change for us and will become more in depth.”
That’s not to say England won’t be tough to beat.
“We know England is an improving side and they’ll be in season, so it’s going to be a tough tournament but a good one,” Hadley said.
Hadley was one of four NSW Swifts players chosen in the 12-woman team with fellow teammates Sharni Layton, Caitlin Thwaites and newcomer Stephanie Wood also selected.
“Sharni and Caitlin were in the recent World Cup team but Steph Wood is one of my best mates and I’m really excited she got the call up for the UK tour,” Hadley said.
“It’s really exciting for her and I hope she gets to debut over there.”
The 2016 Australian Diamonds Tour of England begins on January 20 in Liverpool, England before moving to London for the remaining two games.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.