After two weeks of international netball recently in the Nations Cup, eyes now turn to the 2024 domestic Netball Super League season. Can Loughborough Lightning repeat their heroics of 2023 and lift the title again? Will it be runners-up London Pulse or the ever consistent Manchester Thunder? Or will another challenger rise from the pack?
You can see the fixtures here. This season, the semi finals will be played on Saturday, June 22, and the grand final will be played on Saturday, June 29 at Resorts World Arena, Birmingham. There is a new television deal in place for this season, with games to be covered by Sky Sports, the BBC, and internationally by Netball Pass.
There has been a lot of action in the off-season and Netball Scoop has been looking at the squad movements and assessing each team’s prospects.
Mary Cholhok will once again be a vital member of the Lightning team. Image: England Netball
LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING
2024 Team
Bella Baylis
Mary Cholhok
Ella Clark
Beth Cobden
Rhea Dixon
Alice Harvey
Hannah Joseph
Niamh McCall
Nat Panagarry
Jade Popoola
Annabel Roddy
Nicola Smith
Training partners
Georgie Brock-Taylor
Freya Henshell
Alex Johnson
Coach: Victoria Burgess
2023 placing: 1st
Team website: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/performance/lightning/netball/
Ins and Outs:
In: Ella Clark (return from injury), Niamh McCall (Strathclyde Sirens), Jade Popoola (London Pulse), Annabel Roddy (Cardiff Dragons), Nicola Smith
Out: Molly Hole, Suzie Liverseidge (Severn Stars), Clara Miles, Lauren Nicholls, Jasmine Odeogberin, Emma Thacker (Saracens Mavericks). Fran Williams, Hannah Williams (Strathclyde Sirens), Zan Vimbela
Overview:
A consistent contender for top honours in the Netball Super League, defending champions, Loughborough Lightning will be aiming to take its third title in four years.
Once again, it will be Ugandan shooting sensation Mary Cholhok who will spearhead Lightning’s title defence, and with the ever-reliable Ella Clark returning from injury to partner Cholhok in the circle this year, this is a definite bonus. Clark had to sit out all of 2023 after an injury suffered in the 2022 grand final.
Rhea Dixon, who played so well in last year’s decider, is back again. Added to this, the signing of Scottish international Niamh McCall, and this is a very strong shooting circle.
Key to Lightning’s success has been strong succession planning and consistent selection, as demonstrated by the retention of the midcourt engine room of Beth Cobden, Hannah Joseph and inspirational captain Nat Panagarry. Panagarry and Joseph both had outstanding seasons in 2023 and powered the team to the title, culminating in a 57-48 victory over Pulse in the grand final.
Cobden has been absolutely plagued by injury in recent seasons, but at her best, she is clearly one of the best wing defences in the competition, if not the world. Last season, she returned from yet another injury setback just in time to play a role in Lightning’s title win. After filling in as a replacement player, 20-year-old Bella Baylis this year graduates to a full time contract and rounds out the midcourt.
Goal keeper Alice Harvey has been retained and will lead the defence end this year. The loss of Roses captain Fran Williams is a big blow, but the signings of Nicola Smith from South Africa, England Future star Jade Popoola from Pulse, and former England U21 representative Annabel Roddy from Dragons, gives the defence an exciting look.
Coach Vic Burgess has once again assembled a multi-talented line up. Few would bet against Lightning being in the running for the title once more come the end of the season.
South Africa’s Nichole Taljaard is an off-season signing for Pulse. Image: Danny Dalton | Tah Dah Sports
LONDON PULSE
2024 Team
Halimat Adio
Jade Clarke
Darcie Everitt
Zara Everitt
Funmi Fadoju
Brie Grierson
Jeresia McEachrane
Berri Neil
Isabella Phillips
Alicia Scholes
Nichole Taljaard
Olivia Tchine
Training partners
Jada Autumn
Chloe Essam
Isla May
Coach: Sam Bird
2023 Placing: 2nd
Team website: https://londonpulsenetball.com/
Ins and Outs:
In: Darcie Everitt, Brie Grierson (Leeds Rhinos), Jeresia McEachrane, Isabella Phillips, Nichole Taljaard
Out; Ashleigh Dekker (Severn Stars), Freya Henshall (Loughborough Lightning), Lindsay Keable (retired), Sacha McDonald, Chelsea Pitman (Giants), Jade Popoola (Loughborough Lightning), Ellie Rattu (Saracens Mavericks)
Overview:
Coach Sam Bird’s commitment to creating a strong club culture at London Pulse continues to pay dividends, with seven players returning from the squad which came so close to lifting a maiden title last year. After topping the table at the end of the regular season, Pulse ultimately went down to Lightning in the grand final, and they will be looking to put things right in 2024.
Zara Everitt returns as captain after a successful first season in the role. Also returning is England’s most capped player Jade Clarke who has a point to prove after being left out of the Roses programme. They will be supported by emerging England talents Alicia Scholes, Berri Neal, Halimat Adio, Olivia Tchine and Funmi Fadoju.
The combination of Tchine and Neil in the shooting circle is a strong one in itself, but this season they’ll be joined by exciting South African international Nichole Taljaard which makes them look even more formidable up front. The signing of Brie Grierson adds versatility as she can swing between wing attack and goal attack.
The first choice midcourt will likely consist of Everitt at wing defence, Clarke at centre, and Scholes at wing attack. And that is an impressive trio. There are other options however, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Jeresia McEachrane another candidate for wing defence.
Pulse’s two English defensive stars, Adio and Fadoju, will be looking to impose themselves on the game from the back. Last season, Fadoju had an incredible 144 deflections, 52 more than the next best. They’re joined in defence by Darcie Everitt, the 18-year-old sister of Zara. Capable of playing in defence or the midcourt, exciting 17-year-old Isabella Phillips, rounds out the team.
A play off position seems assured for Pulse, barring injuries, but how the side beds in their new recruits will dictate whether or not the side can go one better than last year.
England’s Imogen Allison is a big signing for Thunder. Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for England Netball
MANCHESTER THUNDER
2024 Team
Imogen Allison
Kerry Almond
Ella Bowen
Amy Carter
Josie Huckle
Taylor McKevitt
Nat Metcalf
Lois Pearson
Paige Reed
Elmere van der Berg
Shadine van der Merwe
Anya Williams
Training partners
Laura Malcolm
Elia McCormick
Emma Rayner
Coach: Karen Greig
2023 Placing: 3rd
Team website: https://www.manchesterthunder.co.uk/
Ins and Outs:
In: Imogen Allison (TeamBath), Paige Reed (Leeds Rhinos), Elmere van der Berg
Out: Iona Christian (Strathclyde Sirens), Amy Clinton, Ruby Parker, Lenize Potgeiter
Overview:
Consistency of selection has always been the watchword of Manchester Thunder, and Karen Greig’s 2024 squad is a great example of that, with nine players re-signed from the side which finished third last year.
The addition of Paige Reed from Leeds Rhinos, fresh from her player of the tournament success at the Fast Five World Series, will boost a front line that also now boasts one of international netball’s most exciting talents, South Africa’s Elmere van der Berg, as well as emerging Roses Academy star Anya Williams and Lois Pearson, who had a break out season in 2023.
The signing of England star midcourter Imogen Allison is a huge win for Thunder. Signed from Team Bath, she has been one of the Roses’ very best performers in the past year. She will be a more than adequate replacement for Laura Malcolm, who will this year be utilised as a technical support coach.
Allison will team up with Amy Carter who’s in a rich vein of form. Both players can play either centre or wing defence and it will be interesting to see who plays where. Add in Taylor McKevitt and captain Nat Metcalf and the midcourt looks absolutely stacked with talent. Metcalf topped the competition for assists in 2023.
The basis of the defence end from 2023 has been retained and they won’t let anyone down. Josie Huckle came on board last season after the demise of Wasps, and she became the team’s number one defender. She’s joined by Kerry Almond, Ella Bowen and South African Shadine van der Merwe in the defensive goal circle.
Surely a finals place beckons for this lineup. Thunder hasn’t missed the finals since 2009. And this is certainly not the team that will put that streak at risk. There is strength all over the court with numerous combinations at coach Karen Greig’s disposal. Expect Thunder to be there in the top four once again, with a very strong chance to win their fifth title.
Mikki Austin will continue in her role as player-coach of Storm. Image: England Netball
SURREY STORM
2024 Team
Mikki Austin
Beth Dix
Sophie Drakeford-Lewis
Rachel Fee
Amy Flanagan
Ellie Gibbons
Leah Goss
Amy Howell
Haniisha Muhammed
Proscovia Peace
Frankie Wells
Anya Wood
Training partners
Libby Burgess
Ellie Harding
Charlotte Masters
Coach: Mikki Austin
2023 Placing: 4th
Team website: https://www.surreystormnetball.co.uk/
Ins and Outs:
In: Beth Dix (Strathclyde Sirens), Rachel Fee (Severn Stars), Leah Goss, Amy Howell, Haniisha Muhammed, Anya Wood
Out: Yaz Brookes (season off), Sophia Candappa, Niamh Cooper (Severn Stars), Charlotte Dunkley, Layla Guscoth, Hannah Knights, Felisitus Kwanga, Leah Middleton (Cardiff Dragons), Sienna Rushton, Grace Sullivan
Overview:
Last season, Storm achieved a play off place for the first time since 2016, but repeating that feat won’t be an easy task for the new look Surrey squad. Mikki Austin is back once again as player-coach, and she will have control of a relatively inexperienced team after the loss of some regulars in the off-season.
One of the exciting new signings is Uganda She Crane Haniisha Muhammed. She has the ability to play at either end of the court, as a shooter or as a defender, but it’s likely she will be utilised in defence this season while her international teammate and returning fan favourite Proscovia Peace takes the goal shooter position.
The shooting circle is the one area of real stability in the squad. Peace will partner England Rose Sophie Drakeford-Lewis in what is a very reliable first choice combination. Meanwhile, Frankie Wells also returns and Ellie Gibbons has been elevated from training partner to the main squad.
The midcourt also looks solid, despite the loss of Niamh Cooper. Alongside Austin, the ever dependable Amy Flanagan is returning at wing defence, and new signing Beth Dix from Strathclyde Sirens will boost the squad’s pace in attack. The versatile Drakeford-Lewis has the ability to cover wing attack if required, while Leah Goss returns to Storm after previously being at Wasps. She can cover centre and wing defence.
However, Storm’s hopes of success will ultimately rest on establishing a solid defensive structure after the departure of Layla Guscoth, Leah Middleton, Hannah Knights and Felisitus Kwanga. That is a lot of experience to lose in one hit.
Assuming she plays in defence, Muhammed, is likely to team up with Rachel Fee who has been signed from Stars. The remaining two spots go to former Storm pathway player Anya Wood, and Amy Howell, who is set for her NSL debut after a career in the British army.
If Storm can get their new defensive combination to click, then their strength elsewhere will make them competitive with the top sides. Otherwise, it could be a struggle.
England’s in form defender Razia Quashie will be an important player for Mavericks. Image: England Netball
SARACENS MAVERICKS
2024 Team
Peace Akinyemi
Britney Clarke
Jodie Gibson
Georgia Lees
Indya Masser
Vicki Oyesola
Razia Quashie
Ellie Rattu
Kira Rothwell
Emma Thacker
Ine-Mari Venter
Aliyah Zaranyika
Training partners
Charlotte Dunkley
Anna Fairclough
Coach: Camilla Buchanan
2023 Placing: 5th
Team website: https://saracens.com/mavericks/
Ins and Outs:
In: Peace Akinyemi, Indya Massey, Vicki Oyesola (Leeds Rhinos), Ellie Rattu (London Pulse), Emma Thacker (Loughborough Lightning)
Out: Sasha Corbin (retired), Beth Ecuyer-Dale (Cardiff Dragons), Ellie Kelk (taking a season’s break), Lisa Mather (returning to New Zealand), Monique Meyer (returning to South Africa), Christina Shaw
Overview:
Saracens Mavericks’ results in the Netball Super League have been remarkably consistent in recent years. However, it’s not the sort of consistency that they would be happy with. Incredibly, Mavericks have finished fifth (just one place outside the finals), in each of the past five completed seasons.
Determined to finally break into the top four this time, coach Camilla Buchanan was the first to reveal her squad line up for 2024, with a number of key changes to the team from last season. In signing three Roses squad members in dogged defender Vicki Oyesola, rising midcourter Ellie Rattu and emerging shooter Emma Thacker, Buchanan has assembled the spine of a promising team.
Oyesola was awarded the Players’ Player of the Season last year when at Leeds Rhinos, and she joins fellow new signing Peace Akinyemi, former England defender Jodie Gibson and current Roses goal keeper Razia Quashie in a strong defensive line up. Mavericks will be hoping Quashie continues with the form she showed in the recent Nations Cup tournament.
The loss of inspirational captain Sasha Corbin could hit the midcourt hard, but Rattu is a quality replacement. Fresh from playing for England, she returns to her former pathway club after a stint at Pulse. She is likely to play centre and team up with Aliyah Zaranyika at wing defence and Georgia Lees at wing attack. Exciting youngster Indya Masser has also been promoted to the team after the withdrawal of Lisa Mather.
The promising Thacker strengthens the shooting line up. She will likely be competing for the goal attack bib with Kira Rothwell who had a good 2023 season. Add in the shooting strength of Britney Clarke, and Spar Proteas star Ine-Mari Venter, retained for another season, and this team will be hard to beat.
There is great excitement around Mavericks’ new signings. Expect the team to be around the mark again. But can they improve enough to take that next step into the playoffs? Much will rest on the squad’s ability to settle in and create a cohesive playing style from the first whistle.
Lefebre Rademan has signed for Stars having previously played for Pulse and Dragons. Image: Gareth Everett
SEVERN STARS
2024 Team
Rebekah Airey
Jasmine Brown
Sigi Burger
Niamh Cooper
Betsy Creak
Ashleigh Dekker
Suzie Liverseidge
Gabby Marshall
Ella Powell-Davies
Lefebre Rademan
Jess Shaw
Jo Trip
Training partners
Jess Haynes
Ruth Hughes
Lily Smith
Coach: Jo Trip
2023 Placing: 6th
Team website: https://www.severnstars.co.uk/
Ins and Outs:
In: Niamh Cooper (Surrey Storm), Betsy Creak (TeamBath), Ashleigh Dekker (London Pulse), Susie Liverseidge (Loughborough Lightning), Ella Powell-Davies (Cardiff Dragons), Lefebre Rademan
Out: Abi Caple, Issy Eaton, Chloe Essam (London Pulse), Rachel Fee (Surrey Storm), Lucy Herdman, Sarah MacPhail (Leeds Rhinos), Grace Namana, Lottie Robinson, Kelsie Taylor
Overview:
Severn Stars equalled its best ever league position of sixth in 2023. Including 2023 NSL coach of the year Jo Trip herself, half of last year’s squad have re-signed for 2024, but some significant changes have also been made and the resulting line up looks strong.
The addition of Betsy Creak from Team Bath, emerging star Susie Liverseidge from Loughborough Lightning and the return of South African star Lefebre Rademan from injury, will bolster the Stars attacking options considerably. With the re-signing of Sigi Burger, there’s great depth in the shooting circle with several different combinations possible.
Dependable captain Gabby Marshall is back to lead the Stars in 2024. She will team up once again in the midcourt with Jess Shaw, the pairing which worked so well last season. Shaw finished with the second highest number of assists in the competition.
They will have strong back up from new signings Ash Dekker from Pulse, and Northern Ireland international Niamh Cooper from Storm. Once again, this is a consistent and reliable group, able to cover all three midcourt positions very well.
Trip will lead the defence once more as she did so effectively last year. Rebekah Airey and the exciting Jasmine Brown are back with her. The ever-influential Welsh international Ella Powell-Davies has alsobeen signed from the Dragons and will add defensive nous and energy to the squad’s backline.
No doubt Trip will be looking for a top four finish this year, and with the talent on hand, it’s certainly not an unreasonable target. Much will depend on Stars’ ability to stick to the task for a full 60 minutes.
England legend Geva Mentor is back in the Super League with Leeds. Image: Danny Dalton
LEEDS RHINOS
2024 Team
Amy Braithwaite
Zoe Davies
Celyn Emanuel
Amelia Hall
Cassie Howard
Harriet Jones
Sarah MacPhail
Emma Magee
Michelle Magee
Geva Mentor
Joyce Mvula
Caroline O’Hanlon
Training partners
Annie Jones
Paige Kindred
Millie Veevers
Coach: Liana Leota
2023 Placing: 7th
Team website: https://netball.therhinos.co.uk/
Ins and Outs:
In: Zoe Davies (Collingwood Magpies), Celyn Emanuel (Cardiff Dragons), Harriet Jones (Manchester Thunder), Sarah MacPhail (Severn Stars), Geva Mentor (Collingwood Magpies), Joyce Mvula (Central Pulse)
Out: Ellie Bird (retired), Britt Coleman, Brie Grearson (London Pulse), Jemma Donaghue, Nia Jones (Cardiff Dragons), Elle McDonald (Cardiff Dragons), Vicki Oyesola (Saracens Maverics), Paige Reed (Manchester Thunder), Millie Roscoe, Millie Sanders (Strathclyde Sirens)
Overview:
The most talked about move in the Netball Super League off season has been Leeds Rhinos’ signing of international superstar Geva Mentor. After the demise of Super Netball side Collingwood Magpies, the perennially influential defender was on the radar of several clubs around the world, but was persuaded by coach Liana Leota to join the Rhinos.
This will be the first time Mentor has played in the Super League since 2010, and she has been named captain of a new look side that sees 11 departures from the 2023 line up. There is a lot of change.
While Mentor’s signing was the marquee announcement, the addition of Malawi international shooter Joyce Mvula is another huge plus. Northern Ireland international Emma Magee is favoured to join Mvula in the circle, although Future Roses star Harriet Jones is also a chance to take that spot. After being used as an injury replacement in 2023, Amy Braithwaite has been elevated to the full squad as the other shooter.
Northern Ireland international dynamo Caroline O’Hanlon is one of just three players re-signed from last year and she is the star of the midcourt. She will be supported by a re-signed Cassie Howard, as well as Amelia Hall who is returning to the team after a year out, and Celyn Emanuel who has been signed from Dragons.
The third Northern Irish player in the team is Michelle Magee, younger sister of Emma, and she is likely to combine with the brilliant Mentor at the back. Scot Sarah MacPhail and Australian Zoe Davies round out an international defensive circle with both capable of swinging between goal defence and wing defence, improving the team’s versatility.
If the three big names, Mentor, O’Hanlon and Mvula, all fire, then a finals playoff berth should be the target of this new-look squad.
South Africa’s Sesandile Ngubane has signed with Sirens for 2024. Image: Skhu Nkomphela
STRATHCLYDE SIRENS
2024 Team
Cerys Cairns
Iona Christian
Cerys Finn
Zara Flett
Bethan Goodwin
Hannah Leighton
Emma Love
Emily Nicholl
Sesandile Ngubane
Millie Sanders
Towera Vinkhumbo
Hannah Williams
Training partners
Kelly Boyle
Rachel Conway
Hannah Grant
Coach: Lesley MacDonald
2023 Placing: 8th
Team website: https://sirensnetball.com/
Ins and Outs:
In: Iona Christian (Manchester Thunder), Cerys Finn, Zara Flett, Hannah Leighton (Celtic Dragons), Emma Love, Sesandile Owethu Ngubane, Millie Sanders (Leeds Rhinos), Hannah Williams (Loughborough Lightning)
Out: Emma Barrie (TeamBath), Natalie Bright, Beth Dix (Surrey Storm), Claire Maxwell (retired), Niamh McCall (Loughborough Lightning), Stella Oyella, Abi Robson, Helen Taylor, Abby Tyrrell
Overview:
Scotland’s Super League side has revealed a fresh new line up for 2024, with Lesley MacDonald’s squad featuring some of the most promising young talent from around the world.
Aged just 21, Sesandile Ngubane, known as Sammy, made her international debut for the Spar Proteas in 2023 and quickly established a reputation for accurate shooting and great vision. She adds depth to the shooting circle where the returning Scottish duo of Bethan Goodwin and Cerys Cairns are likely to be the first choice combination. Young shooter Zara Flett is in line for her Super League debut this season.
The two Hannahs will take a prominent role in the midcourt. Hannah Leighton can cover wing defence and centre, while Hannah Williams covers centre and wing attack. Emma Love has been elevated to Sirens’ main squad from the development team. She has the ability to play goal attack, but the midcourt is where she’s likely to be utilised this season.
Perennial crowd favourite Iona Christian, was the last player signed and will be returning to the court after the birth of her first child. It’s unsure at this stage just how much court time Christian will get, but she is grateful for the opportunity to repay the faith shown in her.
After sharing the duties with Claire Maxwell last season, Emily Nicholl takes over as full time captain in 2024. Last season, her combination in the circle with star Malawian defender Towera Vinkhumbo was one of Sirens’ great strengths. Vinkhumbo finished with the most gains and the most intercepts.
After impressing at the World Cup, young defender Cerys Finn has earned her spot in the squad, while rising England star defender Millie Sanders has been recruited from Rhinos. She can play either goal defence or wing defence.
Sirens have compiled a solid team. Travel fatigue could play a role in the side’s ability to put out consistent performances but they could certainly surprise a few higher ranked opponents.
Bethan Dyke of Wales will lead Team Bath in 2024. Image: Danny Dalton
TEAM BATH
2024 Team
Emma Barrie
Sloan Burton
Lily-May Catling
Kadeen Corbin
Bethan Dyke
Ellie Irvine
Kirsty Harris
Sophie Kelly
Phoebe Maslen
Tash Pavelin
Jayda Pechova
Lisa Putt
Training partners
George Ford
Lily Jones
Ellen Morgan
Coach: Asha Francis
2023 Placing: 9th
Team website: https://netball.teambath.com/
Ins and Outs:
In: Emma Barrie (Strathclyde Sirens), Sloan Burton, Ellie Ervin, Tash Pavelin (returning from injury), Lisa Putt (Northern Stars)
Out: Imogen Allison (Manchester Thunder), Summer Artman, Betsy Creak (Severn Stars), Caroline Mtukule, Annie O’Rourke, Hannah Passmore, Ali Wilshier (Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic)
Overview:
Two years into a four year plan to revitalise the club’s fortunes, Team Bath has recruited a young and dynamic line up for the 2024 Netball Superleague season. Seven players are returning from 2023, but a few big names are missing from Asha’s Francis’s squad. Imogen Allison is a big loss.
The experienced Kadeen Corbin returns this year and she will almost certainly take one of the two spots in the shooting circle. It’s just a matter of which position and who partners her. Emma Barrie has been signed from Sirens and she will be a strong candidate for the goal shooter position, while exciting goal attack Sophie Kelly had a fine season in 2023 and looks set to go on with it now. Former West Coast Fever academy shooter Sloan Burton will bring some Southern Hemisphere flair to the shooting circle.
Welsh midcourter Bethan Dyke will lead the team. She had an excellent World Cup, and Bath will be hoping she continues on in that vain. She will combine with another member of last year’s team in Kirsty Harris. They will be joined by Phoebe Maslen who has been elevated to the squad and Ellie Irvine who comes from Team Bath’s academy.
Last year’s captain Lily-May Catling returns in defence, as does England Rose Jayda Pechova who put on an impressive showing at the recent Nations Cup. Completing a dynamic defence is Tash Pavelin, who will be returning to court after injury, and Lisa Putt who has been signed from the Northern Stars in the ANZ Premiership.
Matching the achievements of previous Team Bath squads is out of reach this year, and making finals is a big ask, but expect the young Bath line up to cause some headaches for any opposition which underestimates them.
South African midcourter Khanyisa Chawane is a new signing for the Dragons. Image: Skhu Nkomphela
CARDIFF DRAGONS
2024 Team
Khanyisa Chawane
Beth Ecuyer-Dale
Lucy Howells
Nia Jones
Nansi Kuti
Elle McDonald
Leah Middleton
Jacqui Newton
Hannah Passmore
Georgia Rowe
Laura Rudland
Phillipa Yarranton
Training partners
Millie Carter
Zoe Matthewman
Shona O’Dwyer
Coach: Jill McIntosh
2023 Placing: 10th
Team website: https://cardiffdragons.com/
Ins and Outs:
In: Khanisa Chawane, Beth Ecuyer-Dale (Saracens Mavericks), Nia Jones (Leeds Rhinos), Elle McDonald (Leeds Rhinos), Jacqui Newton (Collingwood Magpies), Hannah Passmore (Team Bath)
Out: Rachel Dunn, Celyn Emanuel (Leeds Rhinos), Shaquanda Greene-Noel, Ally Housley, Clare Jones (retired), Hannah Leighton (Strathclyde Sirens), Emma Powell-Davies (Severn Stars), Gabby Sinclair, Annabel Roddy (Loughborough Lightning)
Overview:
After repeated seasons languishing at or near the bottom of the NSL table, the renamed Cardiff Dragons has announced a new look side for the 2024 season with a focus on moving up the ladder. While a few big names have left the Dragons, some exciting new signings have been brought into Jill McIntosh’s squad.
Once again it will be Georgia Rowe who spearheads the team’s scoring. Rowe is one of just three players retained this year. The other two are fellow Welsh internationals Phillipa Yarranton and Laura Rudland. Both are versatile and can swing between goal attack and wing attack. Adding depth to the shooting circle will be Hannah Passmore who has been signed from Bath.
The midcourt has an impressive look with the addition of another player who shone in South Africa, Proteas international Khanyisa Chawane. With the signing of Welsh international Nia Jones, England Rose Elle McDonald and former Mavericks midcourter Beth Ecuyer-Dale, there is strength and versatility here. Jones will captain the side this year.
Young talent Nansi Kuti has been elevated to the Super League squad for the first time, after some impressive performances at the Netball World Cup. She has the ability to play both goal shooter and goal keeper, but it is expected she will join fellow Welsh Feather Lucy Howells in defence.
The likely starters in the defensive circle however will be Leah Middleton who has been signed from Storm, and Australian utility defender Jacqui Newton who last played for Collingwood in Super Netball. This is a strong combination.
Surely there are wins in store for this new look Dragons line up. It would be disappointing if they remain on the bottom of the ladder once again. Finals might be out of reach however.
TOP 4 PREDICTIONS
Ian Harkin
1. Manchester Thunder
2. Loughborough Lightning
3. London Pulse
4. Severn Stars
—
5. Saracens Mavericks
Rona Hunnisett
1. London Pulse
2. Loughborough Lightning
3. Manchester Thunder
4. Leeds Rhinos
—
5. Saracens Mavericks
2023 Netball Super League Grand Final. Photo: England Netball
