Townsville sign Edwards as Injury Replacement Player

The Townsville Fire announced on Monday the signing of Jessie Edwards as an Injury Replacement Player.

Edwards will join Shannon Seebohm's side for Tuesday's clash with Geelong, replacing American import Lauren Cox, who sustained a season-ending knee injury during Townsville's New Year's Eve clash with Bendigo.

From Leeming, Western Australia, Edwards played US college hoops at the University of Minnesota, before playing professionally in Spain, Germany and the WNBL, with the West Coast Waves, Adelaide Lightning and Perth Lynx.

Edwards most recently played for Southern Hoiho in the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, averaging 12.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

"Jessie is a 6’4” centre with a strong international pedigree and a reputation as a physical, high-effort presence in the paint," a Fire spokesperson said.

"A former college standout, she has built a professional career across Europe and internationally, known for her rebounding toughness, rim protection, and ability to impact both ends of the floor.

"Jessie brings a competitive edge, size, and experience that will bolster our interior rotation and complement the front court.

"Her skillset, including her ability to set strong screens, defend multiple positions, and finish around the basket, aligns with the Fire’s identity of grit, toughness, and team-first basketball.

"We look forward to the impact she’ll make as we push through the back end of the season and toward finals."

The Fire host Geelong from 7pm AEDT at the Townsville Entertainment Centre, live on ESPN and 9Now.

Tickets the Round 12 clash are still available here.