The excitement is building as the Suncorp Super Netball League returns, and two of Jamaica’s finest netballers, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and Romelda Aiken-George, are all set to make their much-anticipated return to the court. After being declared fit, the dynamic duo have both been named in the match day squad by the two-time defending champions, Adelaide Thunderbirds, for their season opener against the Melbourne Vixens this Saturday.

Aiken-George, the seasoned goal-shooter and Grand Final MVP, has been in the spotlight following her recent recovery from minor knee surgery. The veteran shooter, who last represented Jamaica in the Vitality Netball Horizon Series against England in November, was load-managed throughout the pre-season. However, she has now passed all fitness tests and is cleared to play, bringing a boost to the Thunderbirds’ attacking line-up.

Sterling-Humphrey, the versatile defender, also returns to action after a brief period of load management due to tendonitis. Like Aiken-George, she was cleared to play earlier this week and is poised to make her presence felt in the defensive third for Adelaide. She will join fellow Jamaican Latanya Wilson, who is the third Sunshine Girl on the Thunderbirds roster.

The showdown against the Melbourne Vixens, which is a repeat of last year’s Grand Final, take place at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Meanwhile, in another fixture, Jamaican shooter Shimona Jok will be taking centre court for the Melbourne Mavericks as they host Sunshine Coast Lightning at John Cain Arena in Melbourne. Jok’s contribution will be crucial as the Mavericks look to make an early statement.

Sunday promises to deliver more action as well, with Jamaican duo Shanice Beckford and Kadie-Ann Dehaney named in the West Coast Fever line-up for their game against the NSW Swifts at RAC Arena in Perth. There is uncertainty surrounding the return of Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard after a miscarriage, while the replacement status of Mwai Kumwenda, who has moved to Perth from Melbourne, also remains a topic of interest.

In the final game of the weekend, Jodi-Ann Ward, the Jamaican goal-defender, will suit up for Giants Netball as they face off against the Queensland Firebirds at Ken Rosewall Arena.