The GIANTS are delighted to announce that former Silver Fern and current ANZ Premiership standout, Jane Watson, has signed with the club for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season.
Watson joins the GIANTS fresh off a championship-winning campaign with the Tactix, where she played a pivotal role in securing the 2025 premiership title.
A cornerstone of New Zealand netball for over a decade, Watson brings a commanding presence, elite defensive skillset, and calm leadership under pressure.
Standing at 181cm, Watson dominates the defensive end with a combination of relentless intensity and natural leadership. Equipped with a sharp vertical leap, impressive reach, explosive acceleration, and a keen eye for the intercept, she is a dynamic and highly disruptive force on court—capable of turning defence into attack in an instant.
Following a career-best 2025 season, the veteran defender showed that she remains at the top of her game as she joins the GIANTS, bringing with her not only red-hot form but a decade of international and domestic experience.
Her move to the GIANTS marks Watson’s first appearance in Australia’s Super Netball competition - a significant cross-Tasman transfer and a major coup for the club as it strengthens its roster for a title push in 2026.
GIANTS Netball Head Coach Nerida Stewart said Watson’s signing is a significant addition to the squad.
“Jane is such a respected figure in the game. She brings a wealth of experience, a calm presence, and a real competitive edge that will really complement our group,” Stewart said.
“Her experience and calmness will be a great asset for our group, especially in high-pressure moments. She’s the kind of player who leads by example both on and off the court.
“We’re excited about the energy and professionalism she will bring to the team culture and how she will contribute to our defensive end.”
The experienced defender added:
"I’m incredibly excited to be joining the GIANTS for the 2026 season," Watson said.
"This marks a new chapter in my career, and it’s going to be a great opportunity to challenge myself both on and off the court. Change often brings growth, and I’m really looking forward to testing myself in a new setting, working with different coaches and teammates, and continuing to evolve as a player and a person.
"I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s goals and bringing my experience into a fresh environment."
Watson joins dynamic midcourter Casey Adamson and dual premiership player Lucy Austin as new signings for 2026, as well as returning GIANTS Sophie Dwyer, Matisse Letherbarrow, Hope White, Amy Sligar, Erin O’Brien and Jodi-Ann Ward.
