SUNCORP Super Netball (SSN) re-signings continued on Wednesday with some major fixtures returning to their respective ranks and bolstering some already star-studded lineups.

The Adelaide Thunderbirds were the first cab out of the ranks with key defender Shamera Sterling committed to the club for another two seasons, despite rumours speculating the Jamaican superstar would head elsewhere. The fan favourite is one of the most dynamic players in the SSN, with Thunderbirds High Performance Manager Pitre Bourdon outlining Sterling’s significance to the club’s future.

“Shamera’s impact in our defensive end is undeniable and we’re thrilled to sign her for the next two seasons,” Bourdon said. “Her talent and athleticism are incredible assets to our side, and we’ve been impressed with her growth and leadership over the past three seasons.

“She’s a fan favourite for a reason and we know she will be an important part of our club’s direction into the future.”

Meanwhile, GIANTS Netball have been boosted by the confirmation of goal shooter Jo Harten, with the England international a pivotal fixture in the squad since its inception in 2017. Harten has signed for two more years in a huge grab for the GIANTS as they look to go one better in 2022 after making the 2021 grand final, with the goal shooter explaining her excitement to rejoin the fray and pride in what the club is building.

“I’m incredibly proud to be a foundation player at this club and playing at the club for the past five years has been an absolute honour,” Harten said. “2021 was an incredible season in many regards and it has definitely ignited the fire in me to be better next year, growing with the amazing young athletes around me.

“I’m very excited to unleash our potential over the next two years.”

Further up the coast, Sunshine Coast Lightning have confirmed the return of Australian Diamonds goal attack Steph Wood, with the vice-captain a critical cog in the Lightning attack, according to head coach Kylee Byrne.

“Steph is one of a kind, her smarts and knowledge of the game not only impact her own output but also help educate and develop the players around her,” Byrne said. “While she’s always been the type of person to keep herself and her teammates accountable and lean into those hard but necessary conversations, I’ve watched her really step up as an official leader this season.

Combining with freshly re-signed goal shooter Cara Koenen at the Lightning and the Australian Diamonds alike will only serve to strengthen their connection, with Wood looking forward to getting back to business and eyeing off further success in the upcoming season.

“As a group we’re really competitive and we don’t like to lose, so I have no doubt everyone will turn up on day 1 of pre-season ready to give it their all,” Wood said.

“I have a real belief in this group that we are forming and have a real trust in Kylee and the team to get the right people in place for us to continue to succeed and grow next year.

“I’m eager to get in a full pre-season, which I haven’t been able to do in the past few years, and get myself into the best possible position for what is shaping into a really special year.”

Melbourne Vixens have announced that Allie Smith is exploring alternate options for season 2022, with Kate Eddy later confirmed as the club’s eighth signing. General Manager – Vixens, Performance and Pathways, Rebekah Webster said Smith is a credit to the value of the Victorian pathway and is looking forward to seeing what the talented midcourt defender will do next.

“Allie has been a valuable member of the Vixens squad for the last two years, and we thank her for all she has brought to the team,” Webster said.

“As someone who has progressed through the Victorian netball pathway, we look forward to seeing Allie do some great things in the next step of her netball career.”

“I’m really excited to have signed on with the Vixens again and am grateful for the opportunity the club has given me over the last two years,” Eddy said, signing on for her third season at the club.

“I’m very proud to be a part of this club, learning under Simone and playing alongside some of the best netballers in the world. We all want the best for each other and the team so looking ahead to 2022 is really exciting.

“This year has been pretty tough for us on and off the court, but as a group, we’re taking the experience and learnings into 2022, and I have no doubt you’ll see a really determined team with our eye on redeeming ourselves and aiming for the championship.”

The Queensland Firebirds added to their 2022 stocks, re-signing goal shooter Romelda Aiken for a whopping 15th season.

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2021 SSN signing update: 21/9 | 2021 SSN signing update: 20/9

2021 SSN signings: Week one

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Picture credit: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images