Jamaican shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard has officially returned to the West Coast Fever for the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season, creating a selection conundrum for the team as her return increases the roster to 12 players—one more than the league's limit.

Fowler-Nembhard had announced her pregnancy in late 2024 and was replaced by former Melbourne Vixens shooter Mwai Kumwenda, who signed as a permanent replacement. However, the club later confirmed that Fowler-Nembhard had lost her baby and was making her return to training. Her availability for selection now raises questions about how the Fever and Netball Australia will manage the contracted list.

Speaking on Fox Netball’s Pivot, former Australian captain Catherine Cox questioned the implications of having 12 players on a team limited to 10 contracted athletes and one nominated additional player. “How on earth does 12 go into 11?” she asked. “The team is obviously allowed a contracted 10, and there’s an 11th player that is nominated … this would make Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard the 12th.”

In a statement to Fox Netball, Netball Australia did not clarify how Fowler-Nembhard’s return would be facilitated. “Jhaniele’s wellbeing continues to be our number one consideration and we offer our full support as she returns to training with the West Coast Fever,” the statement read. “If and when she feels ready to return to matches, Netball Australia will support that position. Ultimately that decision is for Jhaniele to make alongside her medical team.”

Cox raised concerns about the situation’s impact on team dynamics and fairness within the league, particularly regarding Kumwenda, who relocated from Melbourne to Perth to take up the role after giving birth to her first child. “That player came in as a permanent replacement player,” Cox said. “Had to move from Melbourne over to Perth – that’s a big commitment in itself to be there. But does it have to be her (to make way for Fowler-Nembhard)?”

She added, “Will we continue to see her in the game for the rest of the season? Watch this space.”

Fowler-Nembhard is one of the most accomplished players in Super Netball history, having won five league MVP awards and led the competition in scoring every season she has played. Her availability is expected to bolster the Fever’s attacking options, but a formal decision on the roster composition is still pending.

The situation remains under review, with Netball Australia yet to provide further details on how the matter will be resolved within current league rules.