There’s been an influx of Silver Ferns superstars, a flurry of team changes and some ruthless releases across the first fortnight of Super Netball’s official signing period — and just a handful of roster spots remain across the league with one week to go.
AUGUST 18: FAN FAVOURITE UNEEQ EARNS FIRST FULL CONTRACT
Melbourne Mavericks have handed fan favourite Uneeq Palavi her first full contract in Super Netball.
With concerns that she may be forced to look overseas, the Tonga international shooter will instead remain with the Mavs for 2026.
Having debuted in SSN with the Swifts as a replacement player, she returned to the Mavs this year as a training partner but played in 13 games after serving as a temporary replacement for Eleanor Cardwell. She made 37 Super Shots at 61 per cent accuracy.
“It’s really exciting to solidify my position with this team,” Palavi said in a statement.
“The girls, the coaches and the fans have absolutely wrapped their arms around me throughout the last season in particular, and its been the most welcoming environment to really hone in on my game. I can’t wait to continue to work with the team and see what we can achieve in 2026.”
Mavs GM Shae Bolton-Brown said: “Elevating Uneeq to a full contract is a testament not just to her and the mountain of work she’s done on her game over the past two seasons, but also to our entire high performance staff, who’ve worked with Uneeq to bring her game to a point where she’s both an asset to any team she’s a part of, but also, an offensive threat to any opposition she comes up against.
“Uneeq is a fan favourite, so we’re so excited to share this signing with our fans, and hope they’re looking forward to 2026 as much as we are!”
CONFIRMED SUPER NETBALL SQUADS FOR 2026
GIANTS NETBALL
Spots remaining: 1
IN: Lucy Austin (Thunderbirds), Casey Adamson (VNL), Jane Watson (Tactix)
OUT: Jo Harten (retired), Jamie-Lee Price (Mavericks), Gina Crampton, Maddy Hay (released)
2026 SQUAD: Sophie Dwyer, Jodi-Ann Ward, Erin O’Brien, Hope White, Amy Sligar, Matisse Letherbarrow, Lucy Austin, Casey Adamson, Jane Watson
COACH: Nerida Stewart
