By Ian Harkin and Rona Hunnisett
The wait is over. The much-anticipated rebirth of the Netball Super League is about to begin, with changes intended to bring professionalism to the sport in the United Kingdom. The competition has been reduced from 10 teams to eight and playing lists have also been reduced to 10, in an effort to streamline the competition.
Unfortunately, this has meant the demise of four teams from last year’s competition, with Team Bath, Severn Stars, Strathclyde Sirens, and Surrey Storm all failing to earn a spot in the new league. But we now see the birth of the Birmingham Panthers and the exciting introduction of a team backed by Nottingham Forrest Football Club. With fewer teams and smaller playing lists, competition for places is high, and the hope is this will lead to a more dynamic NSL.
Playing wise, one very noticeable change for 2025 is the Super Shot, something used in Suncorp Super Netball for the past five seasons. Just as in SSN, the super shot will be worth two goals from a dedicated outer area of the goal circle and will be in play for the last five minutes of each quarter. It will be interesting to see the effect that this change has on the competition.
This year also sees the introduction of the tactical time out with each team allowed to take one 90-second break in each match. And there will be no more draws. If the scores are level after 60 minutes, two five-minute periods of extra time will be played. If the scores are still level, play will continue until one team has a two-goal advantage. The Super Shot will be in play throughout extra time. There is also an addition to the competition points system, with teams rewarded for a close defeat by earning a point for a loss by five goals or less.
A big change in 2025 is that games will be played at bigger venues than in previous seasons. Gone are the small sports halls, now it’s arenas with the capacity for seating several thousand fans, and the grand final is set down for O2 Arena which can seat up to 20,000 spectators! Then there is the coverage. Sky Sports will this year be broadcasting three games each round and the BBC one, meaning all games will be shown. This is a big win for netball fans in the UK and also those around the world who can view the games through Netball Pass.
We’ll have a small taster of what this season has to offer with the inaugural Netball Super Cup held this weekend. It will be non-stop action with all the teams playing in games of two seven-minute halves. Here’s to an exciting season ahead.
BIRMINGHAM PANTHERS
It’s Gabby times three at new team, the Birmingham Panthers. Image: England Netball
Ins: Brown, Burger, Creak, Hughes, Marshall, Shaw (Stars), Magee (Rhinos), Zaranyika (Mavericks), Coffey, Sinclair (New signings).
It’s a big Netball Super League welcome to the Birmingham Panthers. Representing the West Midlands, the Panthers will basically be taking over from Severn Stars who previously represented the region. Stars finished a very creditable fourth last season, so it’s no great surprise that Panthers acquired the services of Stars’ coach Jo Trip and six former Stars players. A solid line up has been assembled for Panthers’ debut season, notably containing three Gabbys; midcourter and captain Gabby Marshall, as well as defender Gabby Coffey and shooter Gabby Sinclair both from Australia.
Star South African goal shooter Sigi Burger finished second only to Mary Cholhok in total goals in 2024. She will be part of a shooting line up featuring Sinclair and vice captain Betsy Creak. Goal attack Sinclair was a star performer for Dragons when she was last in the Super League two years ago, taking home player of the match awards for fun. And that was without the help of the Super Shot, something that is right up her alley. There’s no doubt she will be a key performer for the Panthers. England’s Jess Shaw rounds out a dynamic front line at wing attack. Shaw had more feeds than anyone else in 2024, and is sure to combine well with Marshall again, while Ruth Hughes is a capable back up. Aliyah Zaranyika arrives from Mavericks and is likely to take the wing defence bib.
This should be one of the fastest squads on court, but much will depend on whether Stars’ most improved player in 2024 Jas Brown continues to expand her dynamic defensive capabilities. Brown was a revelation last season, ending the season with 72 possession gains, including 26 intercepts. She will combine with Coffey and Michelle Magee in the defensive circle. With the signing of several members of the former Stars team, there’s every chance the Birmingham Panthers will gel quickly and have a successful first season. They could be competing strongly for a spot in the playoffs.
CARDIFF DRAGONS
Jacqui Newton has been chosen to lead the Cardiff Dragons in 2025. Image: England Netball
Ins: Dyke (Bath), Johnson (Lightning), Beard
Outs: Millie Carter, Lucy Howells, Nia Jones, Nansi Kuti, Zoe Matthewman, Shona O’Dwyer, Hannah Passmore, Laura Rudland
Welsh netball is buzzing right now, with the national team earning their highest ever world ranking position. The Feathers now sit in sixth spot, which is a great achievement. Can the Welsh representatives in the new look Super League, the Cardiff Dragons, continue the good news with a strong showing? Australian Jacqui Newton returns to captain the side, with Leah Middleton and Elle McDonald co-vice captains. Newton will revive her defensive partnership with Middleton for the 2025 season. Last year, they featured strongly in the categories of gains, intercepts, and deflections. This year, they are joined by Alex Johnson, who comes from the champion Lightning team.
There are familiar names returning in a very solid looking midcourt, including former England squad member McDonald, current South African captain Khanyisa Chawane, and Beth Ecuyer-Dale. This year, they are joined by Bethan Dyke, a Welsh stalwart who returns to Cardiff after stints with Severn Stars and Team Bath. Chawane and Dyke were both in the top 10 for feeds in the 2024 season.
Welsh international shooters Georgia Rowe and Philippa Yarranton will head the frontline, assisted by Chelsea Beard, a Dragons veteran who is returning after the birth of her third child. How well this trio stands up to the defensive pressures they face, will go a long way to deciding whether the Dragons can challenge for more than a low table finish. Reinga Bloxham comes from the Southern Steel in the ANZ Premiership to coach the Dragons squad and she will need to get the combinations working effectively from the start.
LEEDS RHINOS
Rhinos’ new coach Lauren Palmer. Image: Leeds Rhinos
Ins: Bowen (Thunder), Brittain, Harris (Storm), Dekker, Haynes (Stars), Egbaran (Mavericks)
Outs: Amy Braithwaite, Zoe Davies, Celyn Emmanuel, Amelia Hall, Annie James, Paige Kindred, Sarah MacPhail, Emma Magee, Michelle Magee, Caroline O’Hanlon, Amelia Veevers
The Leeds Rhinos head into 2025 with a new coach and captain. Lauren Palmer hasn’t had much time at all to settle into the role of head coach, only being appointed in mid-December, and then having to fulfil other commitments. But she comes to Rhinos with solid experience as a pathways coach at Thunder and also with the Future Roses program. Less than two months ago, she was in Australia with the England 21U team. Captain Bethany Brittain is new to the team this year too, but the hard-working midcourter (and former England dodgeball captain!) has all the hallmarks of a good leader for Rhinos. Brittain will team up with the experienced Ash Dekker in the midcourt, with Rosie Harris and Cassie Howard in support.
Malawi international sharpshooter Joyce Mvula is back once again. One of the leading goal scorers in the Super League competition in 2024, her ability to keep the scoreboard moving is a big plus for Rhinos. The vastly experienced Mvula will need good support from two 20-year old shooters in Harriet Jones and Sophie Agbaran, and they will have to take full advantage of the ball that their midcourters provide them.
Are there any superlatives left to describe Geva Mentor? The perennially youthful goal keeper has announced on social media that this will be her last season of netball, after a 24 year career that has seen her scoop honours both domestically and internationally. Last season, she was behind only Funmi Fadoju in terms of defensive statistics. In 2025, she teams up with Ella Bowen and Jess Haynes in defence for Rhinos. With Mentor’s skills and court smarts still outfoxing the best shooters in the game, she will spend her final season no doubt inspiring her much less experienced teammates and doing everything she can to lift them to victory. It will be very tough, but can Rhinos make the play offs and give Mentor the fairy tale send-off she deserves?
LONDON MAVERICKS
Ellie Rattu will lead the Mavericks in 2025. Image: London Mavericks
Ins: Hall (Rhinos), Liverseidge (Stars), Phillips (Pulse), Andrew, Blackman (New signings).
Outs: Peace Akinyemi, Britney Clarke, Anna Fairclough, Jodie Gibson, Georgia Lees, Indya Masser, Ine-Mari Venter, Azara Wilmot, Aliyah Zaranyika
Renamed as the London Mavericks, a strong, and some would even say stacked coaching line up bodes well for this new franchise. Head coach Camilla Buchanan, is supported by director of netball Tamsin Greenway and assistant coach Mikki Austin. Between the three of them, there is a wealth of netball experience, and they should be able to get the best out of the squad. On court, a very solid team has been assembled. If anything, it may be lacking an absolute superstar, a proven match winner, but one thing that stands out in this team is versatility. There are so many options available.
Emma Thacker made her England debut in the recent Nations Cup. Her ability to play both shooting positions and to shoot from distance, makes her a valuable member of the team. She will be part of a varied attacking group alongside Kira Rothwell, Suzie Liverseidge, Amelia Hall, and Australian import Emily Andrew. Exactly what combination is used at goal shooter, goal attack, and wing attack, will be interesting to see. England Roses midcourter Ellie Rattu is the captain of the team, and it will be her drive through the court, along with that of Izzi Phillips, that goes a long way to determining how successful the Mavericks are.
Razia Quashie and Vicky Oyesola are the two big name defenders in the squad. Roses defender Quashie was heavily involved in the recent internationals and played strongly, while the tenacious Oyesola has been a very consistent performer at this level for several seasons. Make no mistake, this pairing will give teams a lot of headaches in season 2025. Supporting them in defence will experienced Australian Chelsea Blackman who rounds out the team. This is a line up that could certainly challenge for a playoff spot.
LONDON PULSE
Liv Tchine and Funmi Fadoju, stars for the Roses and the Pulse. Image: May Bailey (Clusterpix / Netball Scoop)
Ins: Kelly (Bath), Orr, Smith (New signings)
Outs: Jada Autumn, Jade Clarke, Chloe Essam, Brie Grierson, Isla May, Jeresia McEachrane, Berri Neil, Izzi Phillips
Is this the year where Sam Bird’s squad finally loses the “potential” label and fulfils the promise that, on paper, the line up possesses? One of the major reasons that they could do just that is Funmi Fadoju. Fadoju completely dominated the defensive categories in the Super League last year. Some of the numbers she put up were just mind blowing. And now she returns to the side with her reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in world netball reinforced after dominant performances against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. She will once again link up with England teammate Halimat Adio and youngster Darcie Everitt in an explosive defensive unit.
Darcie’s older sister, Zara Everitt is captain once again this season. She can swing between goal defence and wing defence, but in this team, she will likely play the latter. Tyler Orr comes from the Thunderbirds in Australia with strong credentials, and will probably fill the centre position. With pocket rocket Alicia Scholes finding more consistency over the past year in attack, this is looking like a strong midcourt. Scholes played well during the recent Nations Cup and will be a vital cog in the Pulse line up. Then there is Gracie Smith. At just 16-years old, this talented midcourter is the youngest player in the league and will be juggling elite netball and high school.
Liv Tchine is growing in confidence with every outing. Over the past year, she has shown herself to be among the best shooters in world netball. More than just a holding shooter, she is not afraid to shoot from distance and does so with good accuracy, something that could be a point of difference in Super Shot time. In the circle, she will combine with 20-year old Sophie Kelly and South African international Nichole Breedt. The side has lost Berri Neil this year, but it’s hoped that Breedt and Kelly can fill the void. This is a powerful squad which should make the playoffs again, but can they go to that next level to take the Super League title?
LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING
Can the Lightning win for a third straight year? Image: England Netball
Ins: Gibson (Mavericks), Neil (Pulse), van der Merwe (Thunder), Wallace-Joseph (New signing)
Outs: Georgie Brock-Taylor, Mary Cholhok, Rhea Dixon, Freya Henshall, Alex Johnson, Niamh McCall, Jade Popoola, Annabel Roddy, Nicola Smith
Can coach Vicky Burgess and her Loughborough Lightning side make it three in a row, despite the loss of some key personnel? Who’s to say they can’t? Lighting has a history of player loyalty which has allowed the group to develop a consistent playing style and familiarity which enables seamless interchangeability during the season. The most notable change in the off season is the move of star goal shooter Mary Cholhok to the Queensland Firebirds in the Suncorp Super Netball league. It’s a big loss as she has been the focal point of the team in attack during their run of four straight grand finals.
However, the good news is that Ella Clark has now recovered from a serious Achilles injury to work alongside new international recruits Berri Neal and Sam Wallace-Joseph. Clark is likely to be suited by the introduction of the super shot, and she could prove to be one of the players of the season. At the other end of the court, Lightning has lost the services of South African international defender Nichola Smith who has switched allegiance to Manchester Thunder. But it’s a case of swapping places as Smith’s countrywoman Shadine van der Merwe joins Lightning from Thunder. Her experience will be invaluable as she teams up with England squad member Alice Harvey and former Rose Jodie Gibson, in a powerful defensive unit.
Importantly, the midcourt spine of the side remains intact. Inspirational captain and centre Nat Panagarry, is joined by her two vice-captains, wing attack Hannah Joseph, and wing defence Beth Cobden, who is now back to her best after several injury-hit seasons. Bella Baylis is also back this year to provide support. Despite their great success, the Lightning midcourt is still somewhat underrated, but they have proven to be a consistent strength, and this year there is every chance they will be contesting a fifth straight Grand Final come the end of the season.
MANCHESTER THUNDER
Amy Carter takes over from Nat Metcalf as Thunder captain in 2025. Image: Manchester Thunder
Temporary Replacement Players: Anya Williams (for Lois Pearson), Ane Retief (for Nicola Smith), Lucy Herdman (for Paige Reed)
Ins: Masser (Mavericks), Smith (Lightning)
Outs: Imogen Allison, Kerry Almond, Ella Bowen, Nat Metcalf, Yasmin Roebuck, Shadine van der Merwe
It’s been a chaotic off-season for Manchester Thunder. Having already lost midcourt star Imogen Allison to Super Netball, they then lost four more important players before the first whistle of the season. That would phase any coach, but Karen Greig’s side is made of stern stuff, and a legacy-development approach and outstanding reputation for excellence, has enabled the side to attract strong replacements. First came the announcement that captain Nat Metcalf was expecting her first child. While this was obviously delightful news for Metcalf, it meant a replacement had to be found, and young midcourter Indya Masser was eventually chosen for that spot, while the experienced Amy Carter takes over from Metcalf as captain.
Thunder then suffered three further setbacks. Dynamic attacking player Lois Pearson sustained an injury playing for the Roses, and she’s replaced by emerging England star Anya Williams for the start of the season. South African defender Nicola Smith, recruited from Lightning, suffered a broken arm against Jamaica. She will be out of action for an unknown period of time, and she’s replaced by impressive Proteas teammate Ane Retief. As if that wasn’t enough, shooter Paige Reed has now been ruled out for the opening rounds, replaced by Lucy Herdman. Despite all of this upheaval, Thunder should still be able to field a competitive team until they get their troops back.
When Thunder is finally at full strength, Elmere van der Berg, Reed, and Pearson should make a successful combination in the attack end. In the midcourt, the ever consistent Carter and Taylor McKevitt, will be supported by Masser and Emma Rayner. Josie Huckle is as solid as a rock at the back, and with Smith and Elia McCormick, leads a solid defence. Thunder has made the playoffs every year since 2009, and despite losing a lot of experience, a strong team work ethic and solid line up across the court means it is hard to bet against them continuing that streak. The team from Manchester can be finals contenders again.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST NETBALL
Former international Chelsea Pitman will coach the Nottingham Forest team. Image – Danny Dalton/Tah Dah Sports
Ins: Christian, Leighton (Sirens), Cooper (Stars), Dixon, Henshall (Lightning), Pavelin, Pechova (Bath), Grierson (Pulse), Kadondi, Streutker (new signings).
The arrival of Nottingham Forest Netball is a big development for the future of the NSL. To have such a well known football club backing a netball team is a big moment for the sport. Their home dress will be the traditional red of Nottingham Forrest, while the away uniform is navy blue and they will play all their games at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena. Can a seasoned international player make the step up to coaching honours? That’s the question for fans of the new franchise as England and Australia international Chelsea Pitman switches from on-court to courtside. It will be a tough initiation into the coaching ranks, but she has a talented list of players to find out.
The new squad has a very international flavour, with two new Jamaican internationals in Rhea Dixon and Brie Grierson, supported by Ugandan defender Falidah Kadondi and South Africa’s Rolene Streutker. Fresh from an impressive showing for the Proteas, Streutker is likely to be the focal point in the shooting circle, assisted by Dixon and Freya Henshall who has just turned 19. Dixon and Grierson can both swing between goal attack and wing attack if required. In defence, Kadondi will combine with emerging England talents, vice-captain Tash Pavelin, and 20-year old Jayda Pechova.
The strength of the team possibly lies in the midcourt. It’s here that the team boasts an impressive trio, with Scottish representatives, Iona Christian and Hannah Leighton backed up by Niamh Cooper of Northern Ireland who has the honour of being Forest’s first captain. There is a wealth of experience in these three players and they will need to lead the way this season. Just how well Pitman is able to gel her line up and get them to perform from the first whistle will dictate how well the new franchise does in the new league: can they make the finals in their first year?
TOP 4 PREDICTIONS
We see the same top three from last season, but in a different order. For us, it’s a Pulse and Lightning top 2 with both teams having a strong chance of lifting the trophy at season’s end. Despite all their current injury problems, we still see Thunder making the finals and contending, because that’s just what they do. The fourth playoff spot is a big question mark for us with a few teams in the running. We’ve gone for Nottingham Forest. Just. But in all honesty, that is a tough one to pick.
1 London Pulse
2 Loughborough Lightning
3 Manchester Thunder
4 Nottingham Forest Netball
