Ties: Mark Gerrard and Dave Dennis. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

Mo'onia Gerrard. Source: AP

It was Mo'onia Gerrard, sister of Mark, girlfriend of Dave Dennis and wing defence of the newly crowned world champion Diamonds netball team.

After beating the Kiwis in yet another nail-biting netball final hours earlier and with celebrations in full swing, Mo'onia's call helped ease any lingering nerves for the pair.

"It was about quarter-to-seven and the time difference is two hours behind in Singapore. It wasn't the (usual) bright, bubbly Mo'onia Gerrard speaking," Gerrard said yesterday. Talking a few hours after arriving in camp, Dennis said: "She's probably still going. Those Tongans can drink. She'd outdrink her brother, mate, don't worry about that."

If being named in Robbie Deans' 40-man squad wasn't reason enough, Australia's dramatic world title netball win had Gerrard and Dennis beaming proudly yesterday.

Dennis said: "She's great. I'm really happy. It's like the Bledisloe now for them.

"I read in the paper this morning they've played 107 and won 60 or something. That's a great rivalry they've got going on there.

"It's just a matter of the rugby boys doing it now."

If history is any guide, the omens of the Diamonds' one-point win bode well for the Wallabies.

In both years Australia won Rugby World Cups - 1991 and 1999 - the Australian netball team won the world championships. Also by a solitary goal.

Gerrard said the possibility of two world champion offspring under one roof in 2011 excited his mum and dad.

"First and foremost is getting into that squad but, having said that, if we can come home and have two championships under our belt I'd be happy, and so would my parents," he said.

Gerrard's return to the Wallabies comes almost a full four-year World Cup cycle after his last appearance in the gold.

After being injured in the 2007 World Cup, Gerrard was ignored by Deans for the next two years.

Seemingly on the outer, he left the Brumbies and played in Japan.

"It was the kick in the pants that I needed at the time," he said.

"What's probably sad was I took my position and where I was in life, given the opportunity I had, I took it for granted, unfortunately.

"To come back was to prove to myself that I still I had it and I was willing to fight for it."

Having returned to play for the Rebels this season, Gerrard's consistency in a beaten team finally caught the eye of Deans.

And his ability to play from No 12 to No 15 could swing him into World Cup squad calculations.

Versatility is sure to help Dennis' chances, too.

The Waratahs flanker, who toured with the Wallabies in 2009, had a superb season for NSW after finally putting years of injury behind him.

"This year I came into the season with a lot of confidence," he said.

"I went away in '09 as a lock with this squad so, yeah, it's good to have that versatility particularly with the smaller squad they are going to pick for the World Cup."