Donnell Wallam is returning to Super Netball after the Diamonds goal shooter found a new home with the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
The Indigenous star was cut from the Queensland Firebirds in 2024 despite being an Australian representative, and played in the New Zealand competition this year with the Northern Mystics.
But Wallam has been lured home by Lightning, replacing Reilley Batcheldor, who signed with the Melbourne Mavericks.
The Queensland club highlighted her accuracy and ability to sink super shots, which proved crucial in deciding this year’s grand final between Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever.
Still in the Diamonds mix after being named an ‘invitee’ for a training camp next month, Wallam shared her excitement to return to Australia after a year across the ditch.
“I feel like I still have more to give and more to learn from the league,” the 31-year-old said in a statement.
“Lightning have a good mix of experience and youth and I’m looking forward to seeing how I fit into the team.”
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
Sunshine Coast coach Belinda Reynolds expected the 193cm goaler to prove a major asset for the club, which was fifth out of eight teams in the 2025 season.
“Donnell has had an outstanding season with the Mystics in New Zealand. She’s an exciting player to watch, and her strength and accuracy are unmatched,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Firebirds have recruited star New Zealand goal-keeper Kelly Jackson (nee Jury) as they look to move off the bottom of the ladder.
Part of the Silver Ferns’ 2023 World Cup squad, 28-year-old Jackson joins the club after six seasons with Te Wananga o Raukawa Pulse.
With 72 Test caps, she’s a three-time Kiwi player of the year and most recently won the Pulse’s player of the season for 2025.
