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Silver Fern Maria Tutaia - Source: Getty Images
Maria Tutaia
Born: Feb 18, 1987, Tokoroa
Position: GA/GS
Height: 1.88m
Caps: 55 (Test) 6 (Fastnet)
Nickname: Ria, Rinx
Hobbies: Chilling with family friends
Maria Tutaia's smooth shooting style and accurate eye has thrilled spectators since her 2005 Silver Ferns debut against Jamaica and she has been a key member of the squad ever since.
In 2006 Tutaia was a member of New Zealand's gold medal-winning team at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
Her 50th Test appearance for New Zealand came at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games against Barbados. From her 55 Test matches Tutaia boasts an impressive shooting statistic of 642/794, which means she shoots on average at 81%.
Tutaia played with the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic from its inception in 2008 until 2009 before transferring to the Northern Mystics where she has been a vital cog in the Auckland side's make up.
This year Tutaia's influence and partnership with Cathrine Latu in the circle has been the side's biggest success in making it to the ANZ Championship Grand Final. Tutaia has converted 346 from the 440 shots put up. She has also featured highly in goal assists and centre pass receives for her side.
