CAERLEON teenager Georgia Rowe is on standby to play netball for Wales at Glasgow 2014 after a meteoric rise in the sport, writes Andrew Penman.

The 19-year-old goal shooter and goal keeper has only been playing seriously for around two years after prompting from her dad Gary.

After he arranged with then-national coach Melissa Hyndman for his daughter to have a trial, Rowe has gone on to play for Wales at under-19 and under-21 level and made the Celtic Dragons Super League squad last season.

She also made it down to the last 15 players for the Commonwealth Games squad but just failed to make the final cut of 12 players who will head to Glasgow later this month.

The 6ft 5ins youngster also plays for Crosskeys College where she has picked up the most promising player award last year and was named player of the year for 2014.

“I didn’t quite make the final 12 for Glasgow but I’ve been told I’m on the standby list if anyone gets injured,” said Rowe.

“I’m happy with that considering I haven’t really been in the sport that long.

“I wasn’t that into netball at school but I’ve always been tall and my dad got me into it when he spotted Melissa Hyndman’s car going past in the street and took down the number.

“I went down for a trial and was told I had potential and it’s all snowballed from there.

“My short term aim is to make the Wales team for next year’s World Cup in Sydney and long term I’d love to be a part of the team for the next Commonwealth Games in four years.”

At just 19 the former Caerleon Comprehensive pupil knows she has time on her hands and she’s keeping her option open by specialising in two positions.

“I started as a goal shooter but for the past year I’ve been playing as a goal keeper as well,” she said.

“It helps with both positions because they’re quite similar and it helps you to know what your opponent is thinking.”

Cara Lea Moseley, Welsh vice captain for Glasgow 2014, says Rowe is one to watch.

“Georgia has got lots of talent and she’s one for the future,” said Moseley.

“She’s got good people around her and she’s in the perfect place to learn.”