KUALA LUMPUR – The Johor Jewels delivered a chilling statement of intent to the rest of the CelcomDigi Netball Super League (NSL) 2026 on Saturday, dismantling Perak Phoenix with a ruthless 71-24 victory at Stadium Juara.

In a match that was anticipated to test the Southern powerhouse, the Jewels instead put on a clinical display of championship-calibre netball. From the first whistle, the tempo was dictated entirely by Johor, leaving the Phoenix struggling to find answers against a suffocating defense and a lethal, fast-flowing attack.

The Queen of the Court: Gretel Bueta

While the victory was a phenomenal team effort, the spotlight firmly belonged to Australian Diamonds superstar, Gretel Bueta. Living up to her world-class reputation, Bueta was an unstoppable force in the shooting circle, rightfully earning the “Queen of the Court” MVP honors.

Her statistics for the afternoon read like a masterclass in attacking netball:

• Goals: 23
• Goal Accuracy: 100%
• Assists: 7

To shoot at a flawless 100% accuracy in a high-intensity league match is a rare feat. Bueta’s athleticism, court vision, and telepathic connection with her midcourters made it a nightmare afternoon for the Perak Phoenix defenders. Every time she had the ball in the circle, it was a guaranteed point on the board. Furthermore, her 7 assists highlight her unselfish play and ability to create space for her shooting partners.

Midcourt Dominance and a Joyous Return

The Jewels’ transition from defense to attack was seamless, heavily bolstered by the presence of New Zealand legend Laura Langman in the midcourt. The veteran’s experience and blistering pace provided silver-platter feeds directly into Bueta and the rest of the attacking lineup.

At the other end of the court, the Johor defense clamped down hard, restricting Perak Phoenix to just 24 goals across all four quarters. It was a suffocating defensive press that constantly forced turnovers and intercepted loose passes.

The match also featured a deeply emotional and inspiring moment for the Jewels, marking the return of defensive stalwart Noramirah Dayana (Nora). After being sidelined with a severe ACL injury since April 2022, Nora finally made her long-awaited return to competitive play, a testament to her resilience and rigorous rehabilitation.

Looking Ahead

For Perak Phoenix, it was a harsh lesson and a difficult day at the office. They will need to regroup quickly, analyze the tape, and find ways to penetrate tighter defensive structures in their upcoming fixtures.

For the Johor Jewels, this commanding 47-goal victory cements their status as the heavy favorites for the NSL 2026 crown. With a roster boasting world-class imports playing in perfect harmony with top local talents, the Jewels aren’t just winning matches; they are putting on a spectacular show. If Gretel Bueta continues this flawless form, the rest of the league is on notice.