The Diamonds have entered their second week of quarantine in Christchurch ahead of the four-match series against the Silver Ferns, which takes place from March 2-7.

The first Test at Christchurch Arena marks the Diamonds' long-awaited return to international netball, as well as the start of a new era under coach Stacey Marinkovich.

It serves as an opportunity for Austin to make her Diamonds debut in a shooting end short of international experience.

Austin is among four potential debutants in Australia's attacking circle, with fellow shooters Cara Koenen, Sophie Garbin and tour invitee Tippah Dwan all uncapped.

Caitlin Bassett, one of just five Australians to play 100 Tests, will lead the emerging quartet, with Steph Wood (knee injury) and Gretel Bueta (maternity leave) unavailable.

Midcourter Price was excited for Austin's chance to make her debut, especially after a breakout season of Super Netball that saw her named as the western Sydney club's most valuable player and in the league's team of the year.

"I think now is her opportunity to grab that bib with two hands and consolidate her spot in the team," Price said.

"She has been ready for a while now, it will just be good to see her out on court.

"With all the shooters, actually, I think this is a new era for us in the Diamonds.

"We don't have as much experience but I think sometimes getting thrown into the deep end isn't the worst thing in the world, it's your time to shine.

"We've got three or four years to develop and get the combinations going, it's exciting."

The Constellation Cup could mark a changing of the guard from Bassett's leadership, with Marinkovich opting to share the captaincy duties this tour.

It marks the latest blow in a frustrating year for the Test centurion, who played just one full match of Super Netball with Austin and English star Jo Harten the preferred shooting duo for Giants coach Julie Fitzgerald.

Bassett has joined the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic for the 2021 ANZ Championship, which is played under standard netball rules: in other words, with no super shot.

Price played for the Magic between 2013 and 2016, before joining the Giants for the inaugural Super Netball season.

She said the arrival of Bassett in the Waikato Bay of Plenty would be a big asset for the club as it looked to improve on last year's sixth-placed finish.

"I think it's really exciting for Bassett. The Magic has such a strong and successful history," Price said.

"Bassett will be such a big asset for the Magic, I think everyone will get around her in the Waikato Bay of Plenty.

"She is such a character, so everyone will love her so much. I think she'll love it, she knows a few people at the Magic already. I'm really looking forward to seeing her play there.

"She will be around experienced players and also inexperienced ones, I'm sure she'll definitely teach and lead them."

CONSTELLATION CUP 2021