WITH growing concerns in Jamaica’s netball community about the possibility of overseas players being prioritised over local talent for the Sunshine Girls squad, Head Coach Sasher-Gaye Henry has reassured that only the best players will be selected for the team.

Henry’s comments followed the appearances of English-born players Rhea Dixon and Brie Grierson, who represented the Sunshine Girls in their recent three-Test series victory over South Africa, played at National Indoor Centre in Kingston.

Grierson, born in Leeds, represented England at the youth level but was convinced by her close friend Dixon to switch to the Sunshine Girls. Dixon, also born in Britain, made her switch to playing for Jamaica in 2023.

Both could be joined in the future by other British players as the Jamaica Observer has been reliably informed that a number of players born in England have expressed an interest in representing the Sunshine Girls team.

“We are not trying to bring in an influx of players but we have Jamaicans who can represent us who live overseas. We are saying that they are English but they are really Jamaicans, and when these opportunities come, we embrace it,” Henry stated.

“We endorse this, that a person wants to come and try out, because this is something good for the national team. Our [local] girls will get better when they are pushed by others and so it is something that we look forward to as a group. We have seen where it has done a lot for our group. They live together as a group, and they love each other.”

Henry explained that the selection process is merit-based and overseen by a panel that thoroughly evaluates players. She also highlighted that some players from England have even paid their own way to Jamaica just to be seen by selectors, even though making the team is not guaranteed.

Henry, a former national player, stressed the importance of balancing opportunities for local and overseas players.

“We are not short-changing our local-based players; we see them just as we see the English-based players,” she said while adding that with local leagues set to start soon, the coaching staff will closely monitor performances to identify standout talents.

“If we can spot somebody who is playing extraordinarily and we think that person fits with the team, then the selectors will definitely look at that individual.”

Former Netball Jamaica President Marva Bernard shared that she has no issues with English-born players representing the Sunshine Girls, but she emphasised that the selection process must be fair.

“I have no issues with the inclusion of the two English-based Jamaican players in the squad, as the selectors would have undoubtedly assessed their abilities and made an informed decision,” Bernard said.

“However, Netball Jamaica must ensure a level playing field for all local-based players aspiring to represent the Sunshine Girls. To achieve this we need strong, competitive leagues for home-grown players to refine their skills; an elite league that serves as a breeding ground for our elite Sunshine Girls; a solid development programme to facilitate seamless transitions and replace current players with talented newcomers,” Bernard stated.

Meanwhile, Tracy-Ann Robinson, a former Sunshine Girls player, echoed similar sentiments and welcomed the inclusion of English-born players, while urging selectors to maintain fairness.

“I see this as a plus for us. It is good to have a little international experience in our netball circle because they bring a different style to us, which is what we need to adapt to when we come up against teams like England, Australia, and New Zealand,” Robinson said.