Jamaica's netball stars have long been celebrated for their world-class talent, so it’s no surprise that four Sunshine Girls have been named among the best-ever overseas players in the history of the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League in Australia.
The league, widely regarded as the pinnacle of netball globally, has consistently drawn top-tier talent from across the world.
Among those who have made an indelible mark are Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Latanya Wilson, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, and Romelda Aiken-George—two defenders and two shooters who epitomize Jamaica’s dominance on both ends of the court.
Shamera Sterling-Humphrey
In just six seasons, Sterling-Humphrey has established herself as one of the greatest defenders the league has ever seen. The Adelaide Thunderbirds goalkeeper combines jaw-dropping athleticism with a sharp netball IQ, which has made her an unstoppable force.
Since joining the SSN in 2019 after a stellar stint with Loughborough Lightning in England, Sterling-Humphrey has consistently topped defensive charts, becoming a fixture in the SSN Team of the Year and winning the 2023 SSN Player of the Year award.
A key figure in the Thunderbirds’ back-to-back championships, Sterling-Humphrey recently made history as the first player to surpass 300 career intercepts in the SSN. With her unmatched ability to turn games single-handedly, she has been instrumental in making the Thunderbirds one of the most feared teams in the league.
Latanya Wilson
Latanya Wilson has taken the often-overlooked wing defence position and turned it into a weapon. Since joining the Thunderbirds in 2021, Wilson has proven her versatility across all defensive positions but has truly shone as the league’s premier WD. Her speed, agility, and knack for picking off errant passes have made her a nightmare for opposing attackers.
Wilson, who is a part of a formidable Thunderbirds defensive trio alongside Sterling-Humphrey and Matilda Garrett, has already won two SSN titles and earned three consecutive SSN Team of the Year selections. At just 24 years old, the 2024 Thunderbirds MVP is poised for an even brighter future in Australian netball.
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard
To say that Fowler-Nembhard is the ultimate scoring machine would be a great understatement, as few players have dominated the shooting circle in the SSN like her. Having joined the West Coast Fever in 2018, the towering goal shooter has redefined what it means to be a reliable scorer, as her five consecutive SSN Player of the Year awards from 2018 to 2022 and seven leading scorer titles tell it all.
Fowler-Nembhard’s scoring prowess is no doubt a cornerstone of the Fever’s success, as she regularly exceeds 60 goals per game courtesy of her ability to control the game under the post. She also brings an unmatched presence and consistency to every match and, as such, has cemented her place as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Romelda Aiken-George
Call her the ageless wonder if you please, but Romelda Aiken-George’s journey in Australian netball is nothing short of legendary. Since her debut season in 2008 as a 20-year-old, Aiken-George has become a household name, as she has played pivotal roles in championship-winning teams. In fact, the 36-year-old’s ability to adapt and thrive over 15 years is a testament to her skill and resilience.
Standing at 6ft 5in tall, Aiken-George was a linchpin for the Queensland Firebirds during their golden era, in which she assisted the team to five Grand Finals and three titles between 2011 and 2016.
Even after being delisted in 2022, she roared back with Grand Final MVP performances for the New South Wales Swifts in 2023 and the Thunderbirds last year in what has been a demonstration of her incredible longevity and unyielding competitive spirit.