Maher is coaching the senior women and the World University Games team in a joint camp, but today that split when the senior side departed for a three-game test series against Croatia, which starts tomorrow and will end on Sunday.

 

The former Australian and New Zealand coach said: "When you are not ranked in the top 100 you have some building to do.

 

"It's not easy and the camp has been tough, but I have been happy with everyone and pleased with the team acceptance and culture.

 

"Croatia will be an opportunity to say 'ok, we have been training for a week and spoken about a million things so now let's see what we can grab.

 

"I expect us to give 110 per cent and the next time we can really try to double that."

 

The World University Games team departs for the event later this month, where they will take on Serbia, United States and France in the group stages.

 

Maher said: "An event like the World Uni Games is crucial for us.

 

"We want depth in the team so that we know we are able to access players from that level.

 

"Those players can compete and we need to be able to pick out who we think will be able to step up.

 

"I think the potential of the young players in this team is good.

 

"We've got a couple of young kids who you have to say have time on their side and if we can get enough work with them we may have some definite players there."