Southern Steel secure star import for two more seasons

Steel shooter Jhaniele leaps for the ball. Photo / NZ Herald

The Southern Steel have secured star import Jhaniele Fowler-Reid for another two ANZ Championship seasons.

The most prolific shooter in the league this year with an average 46 goals per game, Fowler-Reid was the Steel's top priority when looking to lock in next year's roster, with the Jamaican international a key target for other rival syndicates.

The 1.98m shooter, who returns home to Jamaica tomorrow to join her national side in their preparations for the August World Cup, said she was eagerly anticipating a fourth season with the southern franchise.

"I'd always intended for it to be a long-term relationship but I just had to go with the flow and see what happens year in, year out," she said.

"My first year was very cold and I thought 'maybe this is my first year and my last year to' but I have fallen in love with this place - it's been really good for me and helped me be the person who I am. I feel very settled here."

Fowler-Reid was adamant the 2015 roster would thrive if it remained intact.

"It goes hand in hand with success when you have players who not only know themselves but know each other and respect each other. That camaraderie within the team and how we are so honest with each other, that makes it a lot easier."

The Steel were bundled out of the playoffs at the weekend following an 71-69 extra time loss to the Magic in the New Zealand conference elimination finals. Fowler-Reid said the result left the team hungry for higher honours.

"We are more than on the cusp. The players recruited for this year have been amazing. We have made a mark and I'm sure next year we won't be the underdog again because we have what it takes to win."

Now Fowler-Reid's allegiance turns to Jamaica's Sunshine Girls and their quest to secure the Netball World Cup in Sydney in August. She believes competing in the ANZ Championship played a vital role in that preparation.

"I think my game has grown a lot more and kudos to Janine and my coaching staff because they really put the hard yards in to make sure I am where I am, knowing that I'm going to play for another country. It has helped me develop into a better player and it has also given me some insights which I can bring back to my Jamaican team so we can also grow the game internationally," Fowler-Reid said.

Southern Steel chief executive Lana Winders said Fowler-Reid's signature was an integral one.

"Jhaniele plays a pivotal role in our path to success and we are thrilled to have her continue on this journey with us," she said.

"The international experience she brings and her input this season has been so important in terms of developing our young team.