Netball: Bianca Chatfield joins Fox Sports News to discuss the biggest moves that are set to shape the 2026 Super Netball season
While the limited Super Netball spots are filling up fast, there’s a host of big changes coming in both New Zealand ’s ANZ Premiership and the UK’S Netball Super League. Eleanor Cardwell is back at Manchester Thunder for 2026, with the England Rose opting to return home after a tough year in Australia .
Cardwell missed all of the 2025 Super Netball season through a persistent knee injury originally suffered in the series against Australia, but aggravated once more a few months later resulting in more surgery.On Wednesday, her deal with the Thunder was officially announced ahead of what will be a make-or-break season for the 30-year-old heading into a Commonwealth Games year. “Being back on British soil is an incredible feeling as I’ve really missed home. Anyone who knows me, knows how much of a homebody I am, and how much I missed my family whilst I was away,” she said.“So, I’m excited that I’m finally back. I can enjoy my life away from the court as well as on the court, and I just can’t wait to be back in the black and yellow as that is home for me. “I feel like I have become a smarter netballer, I’ve learnt different ways to play the game and how to really use my strengths as an athlete and harness and use them against any opposition. “I would say I’ve not yet reached my peak. I think there is always ways to grow, and when you set yourself a peak, you set a roof there, so there’s no point setting that. I think there’s plenty more growth, especially after my injury. “Obviously having two surgeries isn’t ideal, and not taking to the court really isn’t ideal. I’m ready to enjoy my netball and enjoy my life, and really see how much I can test myself now in the Netball Super League, and see how I can push myself and those around me.” Cardwell returns to the Thunder for the first time since 2022, when she left to head to Super Netball and win a premiership with the Adelaide Thunderbirds in her debut season.Former Swift Sophie Fawns and young Tongan international Uneeq Palavi are one step closer to confirmation of their arrival in the UK’s Netball Super League after signing for England-based talent agency Enigma Sport. Fawns, who signed back in June, has already bid farewell to the NSW Swifts where she was the preliminary final hero that lifted them into the 2023 decider. Palavi meantime is yet to announce her intentions at the Melbourne Mavericks where she’s been playing as a training partner. Palavi was elevated as a replacement player for the injured Eleanor Cardwell for the entire 2025 campaign, making 13 on-court appearances. While the talented goaler has previously spoken to Fox Netball about her determination to remain close to family, a deal in the UK would give her the best option of court time in what will be a Commonwealth Games year next season. Also signing with Enigma is former Silver Fern Tiana Metuarau, who announced her exit from the Pulse, joining the likes of international superstars Kelly Jackson and Maddy Gordon . At this stage, none of the trio has confirmed a new deal at a NSL club – but it’s a watch this space. Tactix legend Jane Watson has officially played her last game in the red in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership. While yet to reveal where she’s headed – amid speculation it’s to join the Kiwi talent exodus to head to Super Netball, Watson leaves with the fairytale finish of being a 2025 premiership winner. “A Tactix legend, our defensive rock, and a fan favourite. For over a decade, she’s soared for intercepts, led with grit, and left everything on court,” the club said in a statement. “Thank you for the relentless hustle, the leadership, and the leaping, stretching, hunting brilliance that makes you one of the fiercest defenders in the game.There’s also speculation Watson could be headed to rivals the Central Pulse to replace her fellow Silver Fern Kelly Jackson, who signed for the Queensland Firebirds in Super Netball. Watson is said to be reluctant to move her young family overseas given the support network she has in New Zealand. The 35-year-old goal keeper has made her unavailable for New Zealand’s upcoming internationals against Australia and then Scotland and England in November.Former Swift Clare O’Brien has knocked back a new deal to remain at the Magic in New Zealand. The midcourter joined the club in 2024, and earnt a fairytale call up to the Silver Ferns to cap off a brilliant first season across the ditch. “Playing for the magic has been a massive part of my journey. I am so grateful for the past two seasons and support from my incredible teammates, coaches and management,” she said.Former Super Netball star Gabby Sinclair is on the move once more, following confirmation she won’t be at the Birmingham Panthers in 2026. Sinclair has endured a rollercoaster career so far, after her time with the Collingwood Magpies in Super Netball was cut short. A move to the Cardiff Dragons followed where she regained her love for the sport once more before she returned to Australia to sign for the Melbourne Mavericks. But more contract heartbreak followed as she wasn’t offered a new deal, and then returned to the UK where she signed for Birmingham. “The Birmingham Panthers would like to say a huge thank you to Gabby Sinclair for everything she has contributed to the club during our debut season. Her golden goals, teamwork, and determination were amazing to see both on and off the court,” the club said in a statement.The 2025 ANZ Premiership grand finalist Mystics are on the hunt for a new goal shooter after Aussie Donnell Wallam departed for the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Wallam lasted just one year in New Zealand as she filled the shoes of Silver Ferns star Grace Nweke when she headed to Super Netball for the 2025 season. The Mystics have been the most dominant side in New Zealand netball in recent seasons, with three premierships and a grand final to show for their last four years. No doubt they’ll be on the hunt for a big name recruit to fill that void firstly left by Nweke and then Wallam.South African goaler Sigi Burger won’t return to the Birmingham Panthers in 2026. After her 2025 season was cut short due to a MCL knee injury in May, Burger has now confirmed she’s played her last game for the club. “With remarkable shots, sharp shooting accuracy, and endless determination, Sigi has been a game-changer in our debut season. Her hard work and energy have lifted the whole team,” the club said in a statement. “We’re so grateful for everything you’ve brought to the court this year, and we can’t wait to see what you smash next!”There will be no Super Netball debut for Roses stars Liv Tchine and Funmi Fadoju after the duo re-signed for the reigning NSL champions London Pulse. Joined at the club by South Australian Tyler Orr, the duo will remain in the UK ahead of an important Commonwealth Games 2026 build up season.
Premiership Winner England ENGLAND AGENT Young Goaler NETBALL STAR RETURNS Preliminary Final Hero Dominant Side Fox Sports News Talent Exodus Talented Goaler Signing News Fox Netball Tracy Neville Northern Europe Eleanor Cardwell International Eligibility Criteria Grand Finalist Europe Player Signings Court Time New Zealand Silver Fern Kelly Jackson International Netball Competitions On The Move Rollercoaster Career Support Network Knee Injury Parts Ways Scotland Gabby Sinclair Oceania Goal Shooter Super Netball Collingwood Magpies Swift Sophie Fawns Contract News Fairytale Finish Fan Favourite Stars Set Jane Watson SUPER NETBALL STAR Maddy Gordon Australia And New Zealand United Kingdom Debut Season Back Home Grace Nweke Goal Keeper Giant Bids Farewell Australia
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