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.
See the latest player moves for 2026.
SKIPPER’S ‘HEAVY HEART’ DECISION REVEALED
Kiwi superstar Ameliaranne Ekenasio has played her last game for the Magic in the ANZ Premiership.
Only weeks after confirming she’d made herself unavailable for the upcoming Silver Ferns international season, Ekenasio announced her decision to leave the Magic after four seasons.
“Magic have been behind me all the way while I returned from my second pregnancy and I can not thank them enough for this and supporting me and my whānau,” she said.
“It is four years that I will cherish while hitting some milestones with Magic and creating some history as well. Thank you to all the management during my journey at Magic and all the girls who I was able to play alongside.”
Where Ekenasio ends up, many are predicting it’s with a rival ANZ Premiership outfit, given there’s only two spots left in Super Netball.
The 34-year-old, who will be 35 by the time the next netball season rolls around, is yet to give any hint at retirement.
She’s a reigning ANZ Premiership player of the year from 2024 in signs of just how great her form has been.
And with a Commonwealth Games looming large, it is tipped mum of two Ekenasio moves closer to family in Wellington and could be the pick up the Central Pulse need, given goal attack Tiana Metuarau has left the club.
FAWNS CONFIRMS UK SHIFT ‘MONTHS’ IN MAKING
Former Swifts star Sophie Fawns has confirmed her next move – signing for Manchester Thunder in the UK’s Netball Super League.
After limited court time in Super Netball after the arrival of Grace Nweke and coach Briony Akle’s preferred choice of Grace Whyte as the back up, Fawns last week confirmed she’d played her last game in red.
On Saturday, the 21-year-old announced her new deal – which the Thunder conceded had been months in the making.
RELATED
SSN SIGNINGS WEEK ONE: Giant bids farewell in big club move
SSN SIGNINGS WEEK TWO: Imports aplenty sign on for 2026
“I’ve always wanted to play overseas and play in a different league, and I was really lucky that this opportunity came by,” Fawns said.
“It was a hard decision to leave the Swifts, but it wasn’t a hard decision to go and play abroad, and I’m super excited to play against new people and see what other countries have to offer.”
The deal ensures Fawns will link up with former Super Netball star Eleanor Cardwell who has returned home to Manchester after missing the entire Melbourne Mavericks 2025 season through injury.
“I feel very lucky to be playing with Eleanor Cardwell at Thunder,” Fawns said.
“I think she’s an amazing player who is so clever and she thinks so differently about the game and she’s so strong in the circle. I’m very happy to finally be on the same team and not against her, especially in those two point times, and just in general she is insanely accurate, so I can’t wait to be in partnership with her this year.”
Thunder coach Karen Greig said she was “delighted” to secure Fawns for 2026.
“I have admired her since she debuted for Swifts at 18 years old, and she is a super athlete who can offer us both shooting positions and is fearless on her shot from anywhere in the circle.
“Having spoken to her over the past few months, she is a true professional and a really great personality and I can’t wait to see what she can bring both on and off court to our Thunder environment.
“I feel there is still so much untapped potential to draw out of her.”
Fawns is expected to be joined in the UK by Mavericks training partner Uneeq Palavi, who signed for the same England-based talent agency.
KIWI STAR’S PERFECT FAREWELL
Tactix legend Jane Watson has officially played her last game in the red in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership, and she’s headed to Super Netball.
While she’s the sixth Kiwi talent to join the exodus to head to Australia, 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.
“You’ve given this club everything, Jane. And now, we back you on your next chapter.”
While there was speculation Watson could be headed to rivals the Central Pulse to replace her fellow Silver Fern Kelly Jackson, who signed for the Queensland Firebirds, on Sunday the defender put pen to paper with the Giants.
“Jane is such a respected figure in the game. She brings a wealth of experience, a calm presence, and a real competitive edge that will really complement our group,” new Giants coach Nerida Stewart said.
“Her experience and calmness will be a great asset for our group, especially in high-pressure moments. She’s the kind of player who leads by example both on and off the court.”
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.
SUPER NETBALL STAR RETURNS
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.
Cardwell was one of the first exits announced for the Mavericks, with confirmation she’d gone back to England.
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 [in 2025] 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.
She’ll replace young goaler Elmere van der Berg who has signed for the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Super Netball.
Swifts re-sign Nweke after exemption | 00:54
AUSSIE STARS SIGN FOR ENGLAND AGENT
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 (both to Super Netball’s Queensland Firebirds).
At this stage, none of the trio has confirmed a new deal at a NSL club – but it’s a watch this space.
Neville parts ways with Mavericks | 00:57
PROTEA ANNOUNCES LONDON EXIT
What does 2026 look like for South African star goaler Nichole Breedt (nee Taljaard)?
Breedt confirmed she has played her last game for the London Pulse after the club claimed the 2025 NSL crown last month.
“End of an era at London Pulse,” the club posted on social media.
“A champion written into our history books forever.”
“Thank you Nichole Breedt.”
It’s interesting timing for the newly married goaler, who has been named in the Proteas team to take on New Zealand and Australia in September and October.
She’s previously been spotted on the Sunshine Coast – and now the Lightning are searching for a goal attack following the retirement of Steph Fretwell and the exit of Reilley Batcheldor to the Mavericks.
Definitely a wait and see on where Breedt ends up.
Panel DIVIDED on new NZ export rules | 03:08
EX-SWIFT REJECTS NEW DEAL
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.
O’Brien is yet to reveal where her future lies.
FORMER MAGPIE ON THE MOVE
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.
Sinclair is yet to announce her plans for 2026.
MYSTICS ON HUNT FOR STAR GOALER
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.
BURGER LEAVES PANTHERS
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!”
ROSES STARS STAYING PUT
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.
EX-ROSE DEPARTS CARDIFF
Elle McDonald has confirmed her exit from the Cardiff Dragons, and announced her return to Australia.
The former England Rose said she was proud to have worn the red dress during her three years over in the UK.
And she hinted at finding a new home for 2026.
“Definitely not finished playing the game I love but ready for the next chapter back in Aus,” she posted on social media.
The midcourter is a former Vixen and Thunderbird who headed to the UK for an opportunity with Leeds Rhinos before eventually ending up at the Dragons.
Discussion about this post