By Stephanie Smarrelli
Every four years, the world's best netballers come together to battle it out for Commonwealth Games gold.
With the 2026 tournament just around the corner, some of the biggest Suncorp Super Netball stars are preparing to swap club colours for their national dress.
From established internationals to Commonwealth Games debutants, here are some of the SSN players to watch over the next two weeks.
KARIN BURGER
Silver Ferns captain Karin Burger is one of the world's best defenders and will make her Commonwealth Games debut.
Burger enjoyed a strong first SSN season for the Sunshine Coast Lightning, recording 43 deflections, 23 intercepts and six rebounds.
Her ability to nullify opposition goalers and midcourters alike, generate turnovers and win ball back will make life miserable for the Ferns’ opposition throughout the Games.
MARY CHOLHOK
After finishing fifth at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Uganda arrives in 2026 determined to challenge the traditional powerhouses.
Leading the way will be towering goaler Mary Cholhok.
Standing at 201cm, Cholhok presents a nightmare challenge for any defender.
When supplied with a perfectly placed feed, she is one of the most difficult goalers in world netball to contain.
Cholhok will represent Uganda at her second Commonwealth Games.
The Queensland Firebirds star scored 513 goals at 82 per cent accuracy during the 2026 SSN season and will be a focal point of Uganda's attack as she returns for her second Commonwealth Games appearance.
GEORGIE HORJUS
Georgie Horjus is set to make her Commonwealth Games debut for Australia after another outstanding season with the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
The 24-year-old has become one of the league’s most exciting attacking players.
Always on the move, Horjus creates space, offers countless leads and keeps defenders guessing.
Her versatility across both the midcourt and goal circle gives Australia an edge in attack.
Across the 2026 SSN season, Horjus recorded 331 goal assists, 307 centre pass receives and 72 goals at an impressive 88 per cent accuracy, including six Suncorp Super Shots.
UNEEQ PALAVI
Fresh from announcing her departure from the Melbourne Mavericks, Uneeq Palavi now turns her attention to the international stage with Tonga.
While often used in a rotational role throughout the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season, Palavi made the most of every minute she spent on the court.
The dynamic goaler scored 110 goals at 82 per cent accuracy, including 23 Suncorp Super Shots, bringing instant energy whenever she entered the game.
The attacker will make her Commonwealth Games debut as Tonga prepares for their first appearance at the Games.
Palavi will represent Tonga at the Games.
Palavi's ability to change the momentum of a match and her calmness under the post will be invaluable as Tonga looks to make an immediate impression against the world's best.
ELMERÉ VAN DER BERG
Elmeré van der Berg took Suncorp Super Netball by storm in 2026.
The South African goaler slot 810 goals at 91 per cent accuracy for the premiers, while also sinking 20 Suncorp Super Shots across the season.
Comfortable at both goal shooter and goal attack, Van der Berg's versatility and strength make her one of South Africa's most dangerous players.
She will represent her country at her second Commonwealth Games, looking to lead the Proteas deep into the tournament.
FRAN WILLIAMS
England captain Fran Williams is another star set to make her Commonwealth Games debut.
Fresh off a standout campaign with the West Coast Fever, Williams heads into the Games full of confidence.
Renowned for her ability to disrupt attacking play, she reads the play brilliantly and never gives attackers an easy option.
During the 2026 SSN season, the defender finished with 62 deflections, 19 intercepts and 18 rebounds, and will be central to England's medal hopes.
LATANYA WILSON
Fresh from claiming Suncorp Player of the Match honours in the SSN Grand Final with the Thunderbirds, Latanya Wilson heads into the Commonwealth Games brimming with confidence.
The Grand Final MVP will represent Jamaica at this year's Commonwealth Games.
The tournament will mark her second Games appearance for Jamaica, where she is expected to once again form a formidable defensive combination with Shamera Sterling-Humphrey.
Wilson was among the competition's standout defenders throughout the SSN season, finishing with 72 deflections, 42 intercepts and 16 rebounds.
Together, she and Sterling-Humphrey are widely regarded as one of the best defensive combinations in world netball.
