Jamaican superstar Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard will make her much-anticipated return to action for the West Coast Fever on Sunday in their Round Three Suncorp Super Netball clash against the Melbourne Vixens at John Cain Arena.

Fowler-Nembhard, a five-time Stacey Marinkovich Medal winner and one of the league’s most dominant goal shooters, has been cleared to resume full duties after completing an intensive return-to-play program. Her inclusion comes at a critical time for the Fever, who sit at the bottom of the league standings with two losses from their opening two matches.

Fever General Manager Sue Gaudion described Fowler-Nembhard’s return as a powerful moment for the club, given the personal challenges the Jamaican has faced in recent months.

“The journey for Jhaniele and her family has been challenging, and I have no doubt that taking the court on Sunday will be one full of emotion and pride,” Gaudion said. “She is one of netball’s most iconic figures, and as a club we knew we must be unwavering in our support to ensure that her time in the game was not yet over.”

Fowler-Nembhard’s return results in the end of Mwai Kumwenda’s short-term contract. The club confirmed that the agreement was mutually terminated, with Kumwenda now remaining with the team on a Training Partner Contract and set to feature for the West Coast Fever Reserves Team in 2025.

Gaudion praised Kumwenda’s professionalism and impact during the opening rounds.

“Her performances in the first two games have been vital, and we are really looking forward to her remaining in the Fever environment… If required to take to the SSN court again this season, she will be up for the task.”

The Fever also announced two other changes: Zoe Cransberg returns to the squad, and training partner Caitlyn Brown could make her SSN debut, becoming the 131st player to represent the club if she takes the court. Ruth Aryang (Achilles) and Sunday Aryang (ankle) have both been ruled out through injury.

With fellow Jamaican international Kadie-Ann Dehaney and compatriot Shanice Beckford also in the lineup, the return of Fowler-Nembhard bolsters the Fever’s firepower and leadership as they search for their first win of the season.

West Coast Fever Squad – Round Three:
Jess Anstiss, Shanice Beckford, Caitlyn Brown, Jordan Cransberg, Zoe Cransberg, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Alice Teague-Neeld, Olivia Wilkinson, Fran Williams.

IN: Caitlyn Brown, Zoe Cransberg, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard
OUT: Ruth Aryang (Achilles), Sunday Aryang (Ankle), Mwai Kumwenda