England's Jess Shaw has returned to Loughborough Lightning for the 2026 Netball Super League season, setting her sights on both a NSL final and Commonwealth Games selection. The 29-year-old, who left the club in 2020, believes her team's five consecutive final appearances make them strong contenders for this year's championship.

The wing attack/centre player brings experience from successful stints with Team Bath, Severn Stars, and Birmingham Panthers. Shaw's decision to return to Lightning came partly from the opportunity to play across two positions, which she sees as crucial for her England prospects ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July and August. Her comeback started positively with Lightning's Super Cup victory.

Shaw's journey is particularly inspiring given her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis as a teenager. Despite the daily challenges of managing her condition, she remains motivated by being a role model for young athletes with diabetes. The veteran player emphasizes that her condition doesn't define her career, though she admits it still catches her off guard during high-pressure matches.