Romelda Aiken-George has sealed a move to the NSW Swifts less than two months after giving birth, creating a spicy Super Netball rivalry after she was cut loose by the Queensland Firebirds.
The 33-year-old, who didn't play what would have been her 15th season at the Firebirds this year, claimed in July that the club had deemed it "too risky" to re-sign the attacker for the 2023 season.
The Firebirds denied the three-time champion's axing had anything to do with her pregnancy, stating that the star goaler wasn't offered a new deal for high-performance reasons.
Aiken-George had her baby in August and six weeks on has already played for Jamaica in a Test series in New Zealand.
On Friday she was offered a training partner contract with the Swifts, set to provide coverage as Sam Wallace recovers from a long-term knee injury.
She will move to Sydney from Brisbane early next year.
"Romelda is one of the greatest players in the history of our game and we are delighted to welcome her," Swifts coach Briony Akle said.
"There aren't many shooters in the game with a track record like Romelda, and that's why we reached out.
"Romelda is a new mum and we know that this is a huge move for her and she has been the utmost professional to work with and I think she will be a brilliant fit for our group.
"As a club, and sport, it is very important that we support athletes like her to have the opportunity to return and excel at elite level."
Aiken thanked her husband and family for supporting the move.
"I feel I still have so much to give ... as Briony said, this is a huge move for me but the culture at the Swifts and the closeness of the playing group makes me very excited and they are providing an environment which will be very supportive of me as a new mum," she said.
"I would also like to thank Sam Wallace who has been really great to talk to. I'm really keen to play my role to help the club to further success while she regains full fitness."
Queensland, who finished sixth this year, offered fellow shooters Donnell Wallam and Gretal Bueta new deals ahead of Aiken-George.
Wallam got her start with the Firebirds this year after Aiken-George's decision to take early maternity leave, making an immediate impact to earn Australian selection.
