Fiji Pearls

The other teams confirmed for the series are the Fiji men's team and the USC Thunder from the Queensland Sapphire Series.

Netball Fiji, with the support of the Fiji National Sports Commission, will host the series at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva from March 27-30.

Netball Fiji Chief Executive Officer Vivian Koster said the Series will be crucial for the Pearls ahead of the World Cup.

FBC News reported commission chair Peter Mazey saying a budget had been allocated to hire a new coach after Vicki Wilson's contract expired in July.

Wilson, a former New Zealand assistant coach and one of Australia's greatest players, was welcome to reapply for the role, Mazey said, but the new contract would stipulate the coach lives in Fiji.

As well as leading the national team, the Pearls coach would be required to guide local coaches to higher standards, he said.

Of the nine netball competitions since the start of the Pacific Games Fiji had won six and have remained unbeaten since 1995.

In 2011, netball was not contested so the sport makes a comeback after a lapse of eight years to the Pacific Games.

For the Pearls, the Pacific Games also provide an opportunity to test themselves as they build up for the Netball World Cup.

Vice-captain Maria Lutua said Fiji was going for gold.