Fisher excited for new challenge in NZ
England Roses shooter George Fisher is looking forward to taking her game to a new level after signing with the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel for the 2021 ANZ Premiership season.
The 21-year-old has 12 Test caps for England after making her debut as a teenager, and heads to New Zealand after five years playing in the Vitality Netball Superleague with Wasps Netball and Saracens Mavericks.
At 1.88m tall, Fisher brings height to the Steel circle along with athleticism and long-range shooting ability.
After experience in England, she said it was exciting to get the opportunity to bring her skills to the ANZ Premiership where she hopes to develop even further.
“Coming to play in New Zealand has always been something I wanted to do, so I feel really, really excited to have this opportunity,” Fisher said.
“For me it’s just a completely different style of play in this league. Joline Henry [Johanssen] came and played for the Mavericks in my first season and I always loved her style. Since I was 16, I’ve just loved that vibe and style.
“All the Kiwi girls are very clever with the way they move their body. They play with so much flair and excitement so I’m really looking forward to learning.
“I don’t know if I have a style just yet, I think I’m open to anything. I hold a bit, I move a bit, I don’t really have a shooting range. I’m coming to New Zealand with an open mind.”
Head coach Reinga Bloxham said the addition of Fisher was a huge piece of the puzzle for a new-look Steel side next season.
“George is a tall girl and is really solid with what she’s doing. She’s safe with the ball in hand and has a beautiful shot so I think she’s going to add some real value to our side,” Bloxham said.
“It will be really exciting for her to bring her own flair. One of the things I’ve seen in her is that she gets the ball and turns and shoots from anywhere, so that gives me great confidence that she’s going to have the ability to finish off all the hard work we are doing.”
2021 Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel
Taneisha Fifita
George Fisher
Kate Heffernan
Tiana Metuarau
Kiana Pelasio
Shannon Saunders
Renee Savai’inaea
Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit
Ali Wilshier
Sarahpheinna Woulf *
* subject to eligibility criteria
