The Southern Steel have rounded out their defensive circle with Australian defender Jess Milne for the 2026 ANZ Premiership season.
Milne has been a key performer for the Gold Coast Titans, who are coached by Victor Potaka and former Silver Fern Catherine Tuivaiti, in the Premier Netball League sapphire division, the top grade in Queensland.
The English-born wing defence-goal defence made her Super Netball debut as a replacement player for the Queensland Firebirds last year.
Milne is excited about the chance to spread her wings at the Steel.
"I’m really excited about the opportunity to learn and adapt to Steel’s style of play and strategy," Milne said.
"I’m also looking forward to being part of such a netball-loving community, getting to know everyone and connecting with fans and the wider Steel family."
Standing at 1.86m, Milne hoped to bring her ability to read the game and hunt the ball.
Steel coach Wendy Frew said Milne would strengthen the Steel’s defence.
"She’s got a lot of height behind her and is really good in that one-on-one scenario and gets lots of nice intercepts attacking ball forward,’’ Frew said.
Frew is delighted with how the squad have come together.
They have retained Aliyah Dunn, Georgia Heffernan, Kimiora Poi, Serina Daunakamakama, Carys Stythe, Renee Savai’inaea and Khanye-Lii’ Munro-Nonoa.
The Steel have lost Kate Heffernan to the Adelaide Thunderbirds, Abby Lawson, who is taking time out from the sport, and Summer Temu and Dakota Thomas.
Midcourter Ashleigh Poi joins Milne as the new signings.
"To keep seven of last year’s squad, along with Ashleigh Poi who was also in our environment, is fantastic and I’m excited to work with them again,’’ Frew said.
"Then we add Jess into the mix and I really can’t wait to see what we can collectively achieve.’’
The Steel have one spot — a shooter — left to fill.
