Hannah Kuhar Returns As Elite Netball League Opens In Kingston

Australian centre Hannah Kuhar is set to be the only overseas player involved this season as the Red Stripe Flavours Netball Jamaica Elite League gets under way this evening at the National Indoor Sport Centre.

Kuhar was one of two foreign-based players in last year's competition, the other being England's Danielle Jordan-Taft, and she said returning to Jamaica is important to her because she wants to support the league's growth.

"I am really happy to be back, as I really believe in the potential of this league and I think it is important to have that international influence and I am a part of that legacy. So I will do what I can to help netball in Jamaica and help the elite league," she told The Gleaner.

She said Jordan-Taft, whom she called Danny, also plays rugby and was unable to take part this year. Kuhar added that she would welcome a bigger international presence, while recognising that such involvement requires serious organisation, preparation and funding.

A year ago, Kuhar and Manchester Spurs controlled the competition until the championship match, where they were beaten by surprise winners Kingston Hummingbirds.

The Australian described that loss as painful, but said Spurs plan to draw on it as they chase the title this season.

"Manchester Spurs has a proud and successful history. We always have the target on our backs. Last season, we made it through to the final undefeated and then to falter at that final hurdle obviously stings, but we are better off after having that experience."

She said the intensity of a final is different from other games, and Manchester Spurs intend to use last season's disappointment as energy for 2026. Kuhar said the team has plenty of promise and excitement and will be aiming to finish the job.

This evening's opener will see St Ann Orchids face St Catherine Racers at 6 p.m. The main game at 7:30 p.m. brings Kingston Hummingbirds against Manchester Spurs in a repeat of last season's final.

Kuhar said the Elite League has rich talent and a strong future, and she hopes matches can soon be televised because she believes a wider audience is missing the quality on display.

"I look forward to this league being broadcast so our international fans can get a look at the action. As an international player that would be special. I see how talented these Jamaican players are and I want the world to be watching this league and trying to find the next Jhaneille (Fowler-Nembhard) or the next Shamera (Sterling-Humphrey). So it's going to take more visibility for them to be seen by the rest of the world."

She said players across the league are going into the season with a mix of excitement and nerves, with many teams still working out combinations and building chemistry both on and off the court.

"I am very grateful for the support from Netball Jamaica and Manchester Spurs and their sponsors West Kingston Power Partners. I am proud to be one of the first non-Jamaicans to play in this league. It is something I hold very dear to my heart and special to me and I am very motivated to help this league."