The NSW Swifts injury crisis has hit a new low with England superstar Helen Housby ruled out indefinitely in a massive blow to the side’s finals hopes.
Housby had entered the 2026 Super Netball season critical to the Swifts attack end, following the off-season exit of fellow goal attack Sophie Fawns to England’s National Super League.
Watch every game of Suncorp Super Netball LIVE & On-Demand on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
But she’ll now remain on the sidelines with a back injury – joining Diamonds teammate Sarah Klau (quad issue) and training partners Brianna Martyn, Jess Conlan and Freddie Schneideman – all three suffering ACL tears.
In a statement, the club confirmed it does not have a “specific return to play timeframe” for Housby; instead the Swifts are hopeful “she’ll take the court again later this season”.
“Obviously this is a big blow for Helen and for us as a team given she’s such a leader and on-court enforcer, but that is the nature of professional sport,” Swifts head coach Briony Akle said.
“Helen is the most competitive person in our environment and missing even one game is a massive disappointment for her.
“However, like with Sarah Klau, our players’ welfare comes first, and we will take no risks when it comes to getting Helen fully fit.
“Our team will be working round the clock to get Helen back on deck for later in the season.
“It’s our aim to return to the finals again this year and the onus is on the wider squad to step up in her absence and get us in a position to do so, because we know she can hit the ground running when she’s good to go.
“We also want to ensure Helen has every opportunity to play at another Commonwealth Games later this year so we’ll work collectively with England to ensure she can follow that dream too.”
Nicola Barge will remain in the game day squad as Housby’s replacement for the clash with the Vixens.
The news comes only hours after former Silver Fern Katrina Rore (nee Grant) was named as Klau’s temporary replacement for this weekend’s clash with the Melbourne Vixens, while the Giants ruled out star Kiwi recruit Jane Watson for at least six weeks after she limped off in their loss to the Firebirds.
Klau missed the 20-goal loss to the West Coast Fever last weekend with a quad injury, and on Thursday mum-of-two Rore was named in her place to take on the Melbourne Vixens this weekend.
Rore returns to the Swifts for the first time since winning the premiership with the club back in 2019 – the same year she won World Cup gold with the Silver Ferns and a championship with the Pulse in New Zealand’s national league.
“We are delighted to welcome Katrina back to the Swifts as cover while Sarah gets back to full fitness,” Swifts coach Briony Akle said.
“Katrina did an amazing job for us in 2019 when (then-Swift) Kate Eddy went down and her accomplishments in the game need no introduction.
READ MORE
LOOK OUT! Star recruit injured in shock warm-up collision
IN PERIL? Why Giants’ dire start is hurting star’s Comm Games selection
RD4 WRAP: Diamond’s revival in new role; superstar’s career-best statement
“Like Sarah, Katrina is a world-class defender and a premiership and World Cup champion. Recently she’s been playing a very high level of club netball in Brisbane, so I know she’s ready to step back into the elite level because her class is permanent.”
The club confirmed Rore’s inclusion only for this weekend – but any future appearances would depend on Klau’s fitness.
“Luckily, Sarah’s injury is not long-term and Katrina is only coming in to cover our Vixens game at this stage,” Akle said.
“However, we have to ensure that Sarah is fully fit before she takes the court again. We’ll do an assessment next week to see if she’s ready to face the Firebirds in Round 6.
“It’s a massive year for Sarah, not just for the Swifts but also for the Australian Diamonds so we won’t get her on court her until she’s fully right.”
Watson meantime is set to miss the majority of the season after limping off twice in tough scenes last weekend.
The star defender was first injured in a warm up collision with teammate Casey Adamson and benched to start the match as a result, and then injured her calf in the third quarter after she returned to the contest.
62 from Cholhok powers Firebirds 1st win | 01:32
Scans have showed Watson sustained both an MCL injury to her left knee and a medium-grade strain to her right calf, sidelining the star for at least six to eight weeks.
“Who does something to both legs!!!” the star posted on social media.
“In my 15 seasons I’ve been lucky enough to not get any major injuries. I mean a rolled ankle or two is part of the job… But this could have been a lot worse, so I’m grateful it wasn’t.
“Here’s to changing my mindset, trying to be as adaptable as I can and keeping positive! As well as still adding value to my amazing team.”
The Giants are yet to name Watson’s replacement – only a week after Jodi-Ann Ward returned from her ACL injury as her temporary cover Matilda McDonell officially retired from the sport.
“It’s obviously disappointing for Jane and for us as a group as she has been a really valuable addition to our team this year,” Giants coach Nerida Stewart said.
“She’s a true professional and we know she will attack her rehab with the same determination and intent she has displayed on the court so far this season.
“She has made a huge sacrifice to join our club this year and we will continue to support her and her family over the next couple of months.
“The club will now look into our options to replace Jane for both the short and long term.”
Discussion about this post