West Coast Fever on lookout for new shooter as star Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard reveals baby news

Speculation is already mounting over Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard’s replacement after the Super Netball star announced her pregnancy, with one big name linked to West Coast Fever.

Super Netball will be without the most dominant shooter in the competition’s history next season after West Coast Fever goaler Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard announced her pregnancy.

And speculation is already mounting over her replacement, with natural fit Donnell Wallam already contracted to play in New Zealand next season.

Jamaican great Fowler-Nembhard missed the Sunshine Girls’ recent four-Test series against England, with officials declaring ahead of the first match in England that their captain was suffering an “illness”.

But Fowler-Nembhard, who married Ashani Nembhard in Jamaica last year, shared her pregnancy news on social media on Friday morning, confirming her family would be growing, adding a sibling for her daughter Drehannah next year.

“My family and I are overjoyed and filled with excitement as we prepare to welcome a precious addition to our family,” Fowler-Nembhard said in a statement released by the Fever.

“While I will not be on the court playing next season, I will continue to support my teammates and the club the best I can.

“I am looking forward to being in and amongst our amazing fans, the Green Army, experiencing how electrifying RAC Arena is with the best netball supporters in the country cheering us on.”

Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard shared her pregnancy news on social media. Picture: Getty Images

West Coast Fever General Manager Sue Gaudion said the club was elated for Fowler-Nembhard.

“Everyone at Fever is absolutely thrilled for Jhaniele, Ashani and Drehannah,” Gaudion said.

“We’ve always known that Jhaniele has dreamed of having another child and seeing that dream come true is simply wonderful.”

The search for a replacement player has already started and Gaudion said the Fever were “exploring all options”.

“We are looking locally, nationally and internationally for a suitable replacement,” she said.

“There are several complexities given the time of year and the fact that most players are under contract.

“We hope to announce the replacement player before Christmas.”

Wallam, whose contract was not renewed by the Queensland Firebirds last year, has signed to play with the Northern Mystics in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership next season, replacing Silver Ferns ace Grace Nweke, who has linked with the NSW Swifts.

The ANZ Premiership will be played over a reduced two-round season in 2025 following Sky Sport’s reduced broadcast rights offer, the season starting in May, a month after the opening round of Super Netball.

Could Donnell Wallam return to Super Netball with the Fever? Picture: Getty Images

It is not known whether the Diamonds squad member has a Super Netball release clause in her Mystics deal.

But the opportunity to play in the world’s best league under Dan Ryan - who mentored her at Leeds in her semi-professional debut in England’s Super League in 2021 - would be incredibly tempting for the West Australian product.

Originally published as West Coast Fever on lookout for new shooter as star Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard reveals baby news