Australian Netball captain Sharelle McMahon will miss the 2008 Holden Netball Test Series and the New World International Netball Series.

The difficult decision to leave the champion goal attack out of the Australian Netball Team for the full 2008 international program was to ensure the longevity of the 31-year-olds career.

McMahon had arthroscopic surgery on her left knee after the ANZ Championship season, but after consultation with coaching and medical staff, national coach Norma Plummer made the final decision to relieve the newly appointed captain of her international duties.

“Naturally I wanted Sharelle out there leading the team, but knowing Sharelle’s on court intensity it was not worth taking the risk and playing her at this stage,” Plummer said.

“We are taking a conservative approach to ensure she gets her body right for next year and beyond.

“Ultimately, while she is disappointed to not be taking part in the International series, this is about the long term welfare of Sharelle McMahon in the Australia Netball Team.”

A disappointed McMahon believes the decision is the right one to ensure she has time to get her body right without the focus and pressure of an international series.

“This is an important series, but we are at the start of an exciting four year cycle that includes the Commonwealth Games and World Championships,” McMahon said. “If rushing back now without being fully fit puts these longer term goals in jeopardy then it isn’t worth the risk.”

“Without the expectation of playing this series, I can just focus now on my rehabilitation. I would love to be out there leading the team but I will be in the stands supporting the players and assisting wherever possible.”