Sunshine Girls shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard has officially made her return to the West Coast Fever ahead of the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball League season, which begins this Saturday. However, her comeback has created a significant selection issue for the franchise, as her return raises questions about the team’s roster and how it will be managed under the league’s rules.

Fowler-Nembhard, one of the most dominant players in the competition, had announced her pregnancy in late 2024 and was replaced by former Melbourne Vixens shooter Mwai Kumwenda who signed on as a permanent replacement. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the club later confirmed that Fowler-Nembhard had lost her baby and had made the decision to return to training.

Her availability for selection has created an issue for the West Coast Fever’s roster. Under the rules of the Suncorp Super Netball League, each team is allowed a maximum of ten contracted players. The league also allows for a window where an 11th player can be nominated to fill the roster in case of injury or other unforeseen circumstances. However, the addition of Fowler-Nembhard to the roster would push the Fever’s total number of contracted players to 12—an issue that is not permitted under the league’s current guidelines.

Fowler-Nembhard, a five-time league MVP and a player who has led the competition in scoring every season she has participated, is expected to significantly enhance the Fever’s attacking options should she make her return to the court. The club and Netball Australia are still deliberating how to proceed with the selection process and roster composition, as no formal decision has yet been made.

Speaking at the club’s Season Launch, West Coast Fever General Manager Sue Gaudion expressed support for Fowler-Nembhard’s return, emphasizing that the club would allow her to re-integrate into the team gradually.

“Jhaniele has expressed her desire to re-enter the Fever environment with a view to possibly making a return to the court at some stage in 2025,” Gaudion said. “Jhaniele will work gradually through a program, and there will certainly not be any pressure from the club, Dan or myself for her to come back by a certain date. She will return to the court in her own time, when she is ready—both in a physical sense but also mentally.”

Gaudion continued, “We will continue to support Jhaniele through this next phase, and we hope that her love and passion for netball and West Coast Fever can have a positive effect on her after what has been a very difficult and trying time for her and her family.”

Gaudion said there was no specific time frame on a potential return to the court.

The Fever, which also includes Jamaican defenders Kadie-Ann Dehaney and goal attack Shanice Beckford, will face the NSW Swifts in their season opener at RAC Arena in Perth on Sunday.