The Unexpected Athletes Who Persuaded Former Diamonds Star Gretel Bueta to Forego a Return to Super Netball

Gretel Bueta, a former star of the Australian Diamonds, has disclosed that she engaged in initial discussions with both Queensland Super Netball franchises before an unexpected turn of events steered her towards the Johor Jewels, a team in Malaysia.

Last week, Bueta declared she had officially signed with the Malaysian Netball Super League team for the upcoming season.

This new venture requires a three-month commitment from Bueta, which includes pre-season preparations and a six-week competitive season.

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While returning to Super Netball would have provided Bueta with the chance to reclaim her position with the Diamonds and aim for another Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow, the mother of three remarked that the shorter Malaysian season was less demanding than committing to the rigours of an elite league.

After preliminary discussions with Firebirds coach Kiri Wills about a potential return, Bueta ultimately opted for the Malaysian league. She revealed that the Jewels’ successful recruitment was significantly swayed by renowned sports personalities Tim Cahill and Sonny Bill Williams.

Cahill, who has a connection to Bueta through the recruitment agency Talentlockr, also acts as a Special Advisor to the Prince of Johor, Tunku Ismail. Meanwhile, Williams has ties to teams in southern Malaysia through his role as Johor Sports Ambassador.

“We met with Sonny Bill Williams and his family,” Bueta told Fox Netball.

“He’s overseeing the rugby programme there, while Tim serves as a football advisor.”

“It was incredibly appealing, and we leapt at the opportunity.”

“This has been developing for a while, but it has finally come to fruition.”

After giving birth to her first son, Bobby, Bueta made a remarkable return to Australian netball, culminating in her significant contribution to the Diamonds’ gold medal victory at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She subsequently took a hiatus from the sport after the 2022 Super Netball season, welcoming her second son, Toby, in August 2023.

The 32-year-old, alongside former Silver Ferns star Maria Folau, co-founded the Fire5 netball tournament, a Fast5 event set to unfold on the Gold Coast later this month.

“Super Netball is undeniably the premier league globally, and it is a privilege to be a part of it, but this new venture is genuinely exciting for us,” Bueta explained.

“It’s a fresh experience, and with the push for netball’s inclusion in the Olympics, it’s vital for the sport to grow globally.”

“That aspect excites me the most.”

Speculation about Bueta’s return to top-tier netball intensified earlier this year when a video emerged of her working on skills with Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich.

Marinkovich ignited further interest by not dismissing the possibility of a comeback for Bueta, who had just given birth to her third child, a daughter named Lacy, in January.

Bueta confirmed she was “definitely on the comeback train,” actively training with Marinkovich and intending to return to Super Netball before the unexpected opportunity in Malaysia arose.

“The belief she has in me is incredible, and that’s what helps her bring out the best in everyone she coaches,” Bueta expressed about Marinkovich.

“We had great conversations following [Lacy’s birth].

“I completed roughly 12 sessions with her, so I was well on track when this opportunity came up.”

“Returning to Super Netball was definitely on our minds, and I began training with Stacey, but with three children, it’s quite challenging.”

“Joining the Jewels was the best decision for our family.”

Last week, Bueta attended her first training camp with the Jewels in Malaysia, where she met both her new teammates and team owner, Her Highness Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor.

The Malaysian Netball Super League typically kicks off early in the year.