New connected chapters for netball’s 'twin towers'
- Harriet Millard
- Dec 9
- 2 min read
West Coast Fever is celebrating doubly exciting news as superstar shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard announces she is expecting a baby and will step away from the court for the 2026 season, while her long term international team mate Romelda Aiken-George will be her replacement.
Credit: Wendy Paver
Fowler-Nembhard shared the news privately with her teammates and coaching staff several weeks ago before confirming it publicly.
“This pregnancy means so much to my family. God has been writing my story, and I give Him all the glory,” she said. “I’ll still be around the girls as much as I can, doing whatever I can off the court to motivate the team. I don’t feel this is the time to retire, God willing, I’ll be back.”
To maintain their firepower, Fever has moved quickly to secure one of the league’s greatest shooters in Aiken-George.
Aiken-George, often linked with Fowler-Nembhard as part of netball’s famous “twin towers” will join the Green Army in Perth. Standing at 196cm, she is the second-highest scorer in National League history, with more than 9,000 goals across 245 games, four premierships, and two Grand Final MVPs. Her move to Perth marks the fourth state she will have played top flight netball, having previously represented the Queensland Firebirds, NSW Swifts and Adelaide Thunderbirds.
“I’m thrilled for Jhaniele and her family and excited to be joining Fever,” Aiken-George said. “I’m here to help the team chase another championship. Pre-season is where it all begins, and I can’t wait to build connections and get to work. Playing at RAC Arena with the Green Army will be incredible—it’s like having an eighth player on the court.”
Fever General Manager Sara Francis-Bayman said the club isoverjoyed for Fowler-Nembhard and her family.
“This is such a special time, and we couldn’t be happier for Jae and her family,” she said. “Jhaniele is irreplaceable, but signing Romelda - one of the league’s all-time greats - ensures Fever remain strong and competitive as we head into 2026.”