New Zealand selectors Peter Belliss and Sharon Sims have shown their hand for the first international event of 2023, naming a 14-strong squad for the upcoming Multi-Nations to be held on the Gold Coast in March.

While many will notice the absence of the vastly experienced Ali Forsyth, Shannon McIlroy and Gary Lawson, several new faces will be introduced to the international set-up, rewarding them for their consistently high performances in recent seasons.

“It’s a really exciting time for our team, no doubt some of the players that have missed out on this occasion will be disappointed, and rightly so, but they know the door to future selection is certainly not shut,” Kernaghan said.

“This is a great opportunity for us to have a look at some of the other high performing players, and see if they can take the next step up from domestic play through to handling themselves on the international stage.”

Meanwhile, all five medallists from Birmingham have retained their place in the Blackjacks women’s set-up, while Clare Hendra and Leeane Poulson have received the call-up to show their wares on the big stage. Joining Hendra and Poulson will be reigning World Champion of Champion Singles winner Tayla Bruce, national women’s singles champion Selina Goddard, international powerhouse Val Smith, the well-performed Nicole Toomey and the Australian-based Kiwi Katelyn Inch - the latter five securing bronze at last year’s Commonwealth Games.

For those players unsuccessful in their selection, Kernaghan, Belliss and Sims have sounded a strong message to them all - pointing out the door remains wide open for them to play a part in the World Bowls 2023, set to be hosted by the Gold Coast in August.

“We’re essentially saying to them, get out there, play the game you love and play to the level we know you are capable of reaching. Sometimes it’s about getting that chance, and this for them, is exactly that . . . their chance and we’re looking forward to seeing how that plays out.”

Commenting on potential combinations, Kernaghan says the event will be played on a rotational basis - meaning no set combinations will be pre-selected prior to the event. The format will see five players at any one time take to the greens, with the event to be played over six days, from 25-31 March on the Gold Coast.

The event will also feature four para-representatives, with selections expected to be announced later this month.