Here we are. Another Netball Super League season is upon us. We’ve just had a little taster with the pre-season event, the Netball Super Cup, won by Loughborough Lightning. They defeated London Pulse 18-17 in the final. Both of those teams will be expected to play a big hand once again this season. Manchester Thunder are perennial finalists. Will they be there again? Which is the dark horse team? Will there be a shock finalist? In this article, we’ll analyse all the teams and their off-season changes.
A big thanks this year to Kelly Walker from the Replayed podcast for helping with this preview.
Action during last week’s Netball Super Cup. Image courtesy of Netball Super League
TEAMS
PANTHERS
2025 position: 6th.
Ins: Charli Fidler (from Mainland Tactix), Tami Fapohunda (from Manchester Thunder), Izzy Kaye (from Loughborough Lightning), Tiana Metuarau (from Central Pulse), Alanna Pullen (from Team Bath Nxt Gen), Kira Rothwell (from London Mavericks)
Outs: Jasmine Brown (to Leeds Rhinos), Sigi Burger, Gabriella Marshall (retired), Jess Shaw (to Loughborough Lightning), Gabby Sinclair (to Sunshine Coast Lightning), Aliyah Zaranyika (retired)
Overview: The Birmingham Panthers had a creditable first season in the NSL in 2025. As one of two new teams in the re-launched competition, they finished sixth, with five wins and nine losses. However, five of those nine defeats were by five goals or less, meaning Panthers claimed the most bonus points of any team.
A new season has brought change, with former England defender, Sonia Mkoloma, taking over the reins as head coach. Mkoloma brings a lot of experience with her, after spending time at the NSW Swifts and also in her former coaching roles with England Netball. She was most recently in charge of the England’s U21 team at the World Youth Cup.
This is a very new looking team in 2026. At the end of the 2025 season, Panthers were hit by retirements, as well as the loss of three key players to rival clubs. Mkoloma has added three exciting members of her World Youth Cup team; Tami Fapohunda, Izzy Kaye, and Alanna Pullen. Defender Fapohunda in particular, impressed with her performance in Gibraltar. Two players have also been recruited from the ANZ Premiership; Australian Charli Fidler and former Silver Fern Tiana Metuarau. Kira Rothwell has been signed from Mavericks.
At the Netball Super Cup, Panthers unfortunately went winless, but there were encouraging signs. They started slowly, but gradually found form, going down to eventual winners Lightning by just 3 goals. One of those to impress was defender Fidler. In a show of faith, she has been given the role of vice-captain this year with shooter Betsy Creak leading the team for a second year. As captain, Creak will play an important role as a steadying influence in the shooting circle, alongside Rothwell and Metuarau.
Conclusion: A young team put together with a long term vision. The seasoned players will need to help navigate the younger ones. They could spring a surprise or two.
Players to watch: Charli Fidler and Tami Fapohunda
Defender Charli Fidler and shooter Tiana Metuarau come to Panthers from the ANZ Premiership. Image: Graeme Laughton-Mutu
DRAGONS
2025 position: 8th.
Ins: Victoria Booth (elevated from Dragons Nxt Gen), Ellen Withington (from Birmingham Panthers), Niamh McCall
Outs: Celena Appleby-Prince (to Loughborough Lightning), Chelsea Beard (retired), Elle McDonald (returned to Australia)
Overview: The off season was a period of uncertainty off court for Dragons, with thoughts that they may not even be able to field a team due to lack of finances. But that has been rectified, for now at least, and it’s time to perform on court. Last year’s wooden spoon is not something this team will want to keep hold of in 2026.
The second season for head coach Reinga Bloxham sees her retain most of her players, with two new signings in Scottish Thistle Niamh McCall, and defence player Ella Bowen. Unfortunately, Bowen has since retired from netball due to injury and she has been replaced by Ellen Withington from Panthers.
This is a solid squad, full of passion and pride. Defence wise, the partnership between Jacqui Newton and Leah Middleton is a force, with Alex Johnson returning from injury. Any opposition attacking end will really know they have been in a game of netball. Bethan Dyke and Khanyisa Chawane will continue to play important roles by bringing structure to the midcourt, and new signing Withington impressed in her outings at the Netball Super Cup.
The area of the court that may see great improvement, is the shooting circle. Last season, Dragons’ downfall was the super shot period, but with McCall known for her long bombs on the team, they have strengthened their shooting skills to last a whole 60 minutes. McCall’s general play and her two-point shooting was a genuine highlight at the Super Cup, and in combination with Georgia Rowe and Philippa Yarranton, the team may have found the answer to getting a winning score on the board.
Conclusion: A finals spot may be a stretch, but this team is likely to cause trouble for others, and looks likely to have an improved showing in 2026.
Players to watch: Leah Middleton and Niamh McCall
Bethan Dyke will play an important role in the Dragons’ midcourt. Image courtesy of Netball Super League
RHINOS
2025 position: 7th.
Ins: Bella Bayliss (from Loughborough Lightning), Jasmine Brown (from Birmingham Panthers), Simone Gordon, Niamh Kilgallen (from Birmingham Panthers), Indya Masser (from Manchester Thunder), Paige Reed (from Manchester Thunder), Sanmarie Visser (from Adelaide Thunderbirds), Yomi Wilson (from Manchester Thunder)
Outs: Ella Bowen, Beth Brittain, Ashleigh Dekker (retired), Sophie Egbaran, Rosie Harris, Jess Haynes, Geva Mentor (retired), Joyce Mvula (pregnancy).
Overview: In their relatively short history, Rhinos have not been afraid to make sweeping changes in the off-season, and this year is no different, with seven new signings for coach Lauren Palmer. They will certainly be looking to improve on a disappointing 2025 Netball Super League season where they went in with high hopes, but finished with just two wins.
The biggest signings for 2026 come in defence. Rhinos now boast a defence end that could possibly even rival that of the Pulse. Jaz Brown and Sanmarie Visser showed exactly what they are capable of in the International season. Brown starred for the Roses, while Visser was outstanding for the Proteas, just as she was in the Netball Super Cup. They have back up in Yomi Wilson, and when combined with an established ball winner in Cassie Howard at wing defence, that is a back three other teams will come to fear.
One of the stand out performers last weekend, was Bella Baylis at wing attack, recruited from Lightning. Along with Howard, Indya Masser, and Niamh Kilgallen, this is a young midcourt full of talent.
A question mark hangs over a shooting end that will need time during the season to combine. Paige Reed is an exciting inclusion, but the late withdrawal of spearhead Joyce Mvula due to pregnancy, means an eighth new player joins the squad in Simone Gordon. The Jamaican goal shooter will need time to adjust to the new team and competition, so her progress is vital for them. Unfortunately, Harriet Jones suffered a concussion last week, so she will miss round one.
Conclusion: This Rhinos side will be hard to beat on their best day. Surely it will be an improvement on 2025 and they should be challenging for a finals berth.
Players to watch: Jaz Brown and Sanmarie Visser
Sanmarie Visser has been signed from Adelaide Thunderbirds. Image: Danny Dalton | Tah Dah Sports
MAVERICKS
2025 position: 4th.
Ins: Jamie Golob (from Guateng Jaguars), George Inger (elevated from Nxt Gen)
Outs: Vicky Oyesola, Kira Rothwell (to Birmingham Panthers)
Overview: The name “Mavericks” has been a constant in the Netball Super League since the beginning in 2005, but 2025 was the first year that the team played as the London Mavericks. And it was a successful one too, reaching the finals with a record of eight wins and six losses, before ultimately finishing fourth. In 2026, Tamsin Greenway takes over as head coach, looking to build on last year’s performance.
There are minimal changes to the lineup. Jamie Golob (van Wyk) is an exciting addition in defence, having shown what she can do for the South African Proteas since 2021. Her combination in the circle with experienced England international Razia Quashie will be one to be feared, while Jemma Donoghue can also provide a spark defensively.
George Inger is the good news story. A shooter whose career began so well, that she represented England on 22 occasions. But she was then beset by injury and forced out of the game for some time. Last year, she was included in Mavericks’ Nxt Gen team, and made one NSL appearance in round 14, and this year, she has been elevated into the full time squad. The biggest question with the shooting end is the lack of a specialist goal attack. Emily Andrew and Emma Thacker can both play the position but are perhaps better suited to goal shooter. That position is possibly a weak point in the team.
Suzie Liverseidge was formerly a goal attack, but she is currently starring at wing attack, as she showed once again last weekend. Izzi Phillips is also a major plus at wing defence. Unfortunately, captain and centre, Ellie Rattu may miss the start of the season through injury. Hannah Knightsbridge, captain of England’s team at last year’s World Youth Cup, has been called in as a temporary replacement.
Conclusion: Can Mavs repeat their top four placing from last season? They’ll give it a shot but maybe that question mark over the shooting circle will trouble them.
Players to watch: Jamie Golob and Suzie Liverseidge
Ellie Rattu’s fitness is a concern to start the Mavericks’ season. Image courtesy of Netball Super League
PULSE
2025 position: 1st.
Ins: Kamogelo Maseko (from Gauteng Jaguars)
Outs: Nichole Breedt.
Overview: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Champions have been building their squad over the past few years, which culminated in their first Super League Title in 2025. With just the one change in the goal attack position, South African player Kamogelo Maseko joins the squad as fellow Spar Protea Nichole Breedt departs. Maseko will bring more of a shooters presence alongside Liv Tchine. Able to shoot from anywhere in the semi circle as well as a great playmaker, she will give opponent defences something to think about.
This is a squad packed with talent from one end of the court to the other, and it’s scary to think they may be even stronger than last year. One of the reasons for that is Gracie Smith. Another year older but still only 17, she plays with the assuredness of a veteran. Her improvement is such that it would not be a surprise to see her representing England in Glasgow later this year. She will team up with Alicia Scholes in an attacking midcourt set to provide the shooting circle with opportunities.
One of the players to really impress during the Netball Super Cup, was goal attack Sophie Kelly, particularly when it came to the super shot. During the event, two-pointers were in play for a much higher proportion of game time than they will be during the regular season, so it will be interesting to see if she retains the starting position, or if Maseko plays a greater role.
It goes without saying that star defender, Funmi Fadoju, will once again be pivotal to Pulse’s success. Statistically speaking, Fadoju dominates most defensive categories, and her combination with Halimat Adio and Zara Everitt, will ensure that turnovers are created. It is then just a matter of the attack end scoring off the chances they provide. Pulse conceded fewer goals than any other team in 2025.
Conclusion: With a strong defence, a mid-court full of pace and exuberance, and a shooting circle ready to capitalise, London Pulse must be favourites again.
Players to watch: Funmi Fadoju and Gracie Smith
Funmi Fadoju was Player of the Match in the 2025 grand final. Image courtesy of Netball Super League
LIGHTNING
2025 position: 2nd
Ins: Celena Appleby-Prince (from Cardiff Dragons), Jess Shaw (from Birmingham Panthers)
Outs: Bella Baylis (to Leeds Rhinos), Jodie Gibson (retired)
Overview: Runners up in 2025, Lightning will be looking to claim their fourth title in six years. With two new signings in Jess Shaw and Celena Appleby-Prince, Lightning are another side who are relying on a stable squad they have built over many years. How these two fit into a team which is packed with experience and talent is the biggest question.
Appleby-Prince is a name for the future, her time with Dragons last season gave us a glimpse of her talent, and she showed what she can do in Sheffield last week. But you would think the tried and true defence end of Alice Harvey and Shadine van der Merwe would be the go to combination during the regular season, so how much playing time will Appleby-Prince get? In any case, this is a defence end to be reckoned with. van der Merwe in particular had an outstanding 2025.
Shaw seems to be on her second wind in her career and that has recently seen her involved with the England Roses. In a star-studded midcourt of Beth Durrant, Nat Panagarry and Hannah Joseph, who steps aside for Shaw to take the court? To start the season, it seems like that question may not need to be answered as Durant is currently injured. Lightning’s inspirational captain, Panagarry, is back to guide her team as expertly as ever.
Goal shooter Sam Wallace-Joseph seems to be back to her best and that spells trouble for the opposition. She was Player of the Match in the Netball Super Cup final. Playing in combination with Berri Neil and Ella Clark, that makes a shooting end with seemingly no weakness. Lightning scored more goals than any other team in 2025, and there’s no reason to suggest they’ll be going backwards on that front this season.
Conclusion: The dominant team of the past five years, and they’re strong again. A top four place seems assured, and another trip to the grand final is on the cards.
Players to watch: Jess Shaw and Sam Wallace-Joseph
Lightning celebrates their Netball Super Cup victory. Image courtesy of Netball Super League
THUNDER
2025 position: 3rd.
Ins: Eleanor Cardwell (from Melbourne Mavericks), Sophie Fawns (from NSW Swifts), Nat Metcalf (returns from maternity leave)
Outs: Elmere van der Berg (to Adelaide Thunderbirds), Paige Reed (to Leeds Rhinos), Anya Williams (to Nottingham Forrest)
Overview: A season full of injuries in 2025 meant a less than satisfactory season for the four time winners of the league. With Elmere van der Berg and Paige Reed moving on, it was the shooting end that needed bolstering. Head Coach Karen Grieg Goldin has not disappointed with the signings of two Suncorp Super Netball players, NSW Swifts prodigy Sophie Fawns, and returning home after three years in Australia, Eleanor Cardwell.
On paper, most fans would agree, this attacking end with Lois Pearson is one of the strongest in the league. Fawns and Cardwell are well known for their amazing ability to shoot the two point shots with ease and will ask questions of any defence line during the season.
Injuries last season have definitely sharpened the coach’s mind and this shows in the flexibility of her squad with versatility a key. The return of Nat Metcalf is another highlight for season 2026. It will be interesting to see how great a role she plays. One thing is certain. Amy Carter will play a huge role. She was tremendous in 2025 as captain and her ability to control the midcourt will be crucial to the team. Emma Rayner and Taylor McKevitt will both provide great support.
Josie Huckle, Nicola Smith, and Elia McCormick are a formidable defensive combination. Smith was hampered by injury at the start of the 2025 season, and she will be keen to start the season in full fitness. The Thunder team had a poor weekend at the Netball Super Cup with three straight losses, but it would be a brave person to tip that to continue in the season proper. Expect them to be playing finals come season’s end, because that’s just what they do.
Conclusion: Thunder haven’t missed the playoffs since 2009. Don’t expect them to break that run this year, but can they challenge last year’s grand finalists?
Players to watch: Amy Carter and Sophie Fawns
Eleanor Cardwell is back from Australia to play for Thunder. Image: Clinton Bradbury | Bradbury Photography
FOREST
2025 position: 5th.
Ins: Ane Retief (from Manchester Thunder/injury replacement), Anya Williams (from Manchester Thunder),
Outs: Freya Henshall, Falidah Kadondi
Overview: Season two for one of the newest clubs to the league. A fifth place finish in 2025, can they achieve the same or better in season two? One of the main takeaways from Forrest’s 2025 was that it was a season of highs and lows.
They showed an amazing ability to trouble the top teams. In fact, they defeated Loughborough Lightning twice and were one of only two teams to beat eventual champions, London Pulse. But unfortunately, they somehow came unstuck against the teams around them or below them on the ladder. As a result, they finished with a record of seven wins and seven losses and missed the playoffs by one spot.
Forest were the first team to announce their 2026 squad, with Ane Retief and Anya Williams added to the squad. The goal attack position was the topic of last season and it will be interesting to see what the exciting Williams can bring to the squad if Rhea Dixon has trouble with her shooting percentage. The shooting circle in 2025 was dominated by South African, Rolene Streutker. She averaged an astonishing 11 super shots per game, and overall, scored 439 goals at 91% accuracy. There’s no reason to think she won’t also be a dominant player in 2026.
South African international Retief is a good signing for Forest but does she break up the partnership of Pechova and Pavelin? Pechova had a terrific tournament at the Netball Super Cup. Between the three players, that is a strong defensive unit, capable of matching it with most attacks. The midcourt is a solid one too; Niamh Cooper, Iona Christian, Hannah Leighton, and Brie Grierson. There is great stability and experience in that lineup.
Conclusion: They should be close to playoffs again. Can they go one step further by winning those games against the lower-ranked teams that they lost in 2025?
Players to watch: Anya Williams and Rolene Streutker
Rolene Streutker was a dominant shooter from super shot territory in 2025. Image courtesy of Netball Super League
CRYSTAL BALL
Always tricky trying to think months ahead, but this is how we see it for 2026. Unsurprisingly, we see a repeat of last year’s top two, with Pulse and Lightning fighting for top spot, we tip Thunder to claim 3rd, and we think the battle for 4th comes down to Forest and Rhinos. No doubt the remaining 3 teams will have other ideas.
Ian Harkin
1 – Pulse
2 – Lightning
3 – Thunder
4 – Forest
—
5 – Rhinos
Kelly Walker
1 – Lightning
2 – Pulse
3 – Thunder
4 – Rhinos
—
5 – Forest
THE DRAW
ROUND 1
Fri, Feb 27, 7:30pm – Pulse v Thunder
Sat, Feb 28, 2pm – Mavericks v Forest
Sat, Feb 28, 6pm – Lightning v Dragons
Sat, Feb 28, 7pm – Panthers v Rhinos
ROUND 2
Fri, Mar 6, 7pm – Dragons v Pulse
Fri, Mar 6, 7:30pm – Rhinos v Lightning
Sat, Mar 7, 5pm – Thunder v Mavericks
Sun, Mar 8, 4pm – Forest v Panthers
ROUND 3
Fri, Mar 13, 7:30pm – Dragons v Thunder
Sat, Mar 14, 4pm – Panthers v Mavericks
Sat, Mar 14, 6pm – Lightning v Pulse
Sun, Mar 15, 4pm – Forrest v Rhinos
ROUND 4
Fri, Mar 20, 7pm – Rhinos v Dragons
Sun, Mar 22, 3pm – Panthers v Thunder
Sun, Mar 22, 4pm – Mavericks v Lightning
Sun, Mar 22, 6pm – Pulse v Forrest
ROUND 5
Fri, Mar 27, 7pm – Rhinos v Pulse
Sat, Mar 28, 4pm – Dragons v Mavericks
Sat, Mar 28, 5pm – Thunder v Forest
Sat, Mar 28, 6:30pm – Lightning v Panthers
ROUND 6
Sat, Apr 4, 3pm – Forest v Dragons
Sat, Apr 4, 5pm – Pulse v Panthers
Sat, Apr 4, 5pm – Lightning v Thunder
Sat, Apr 4, 7pm – Mavericks v Rhinos
ROUND 7
Fri, Apr 10, 7pm – Pulse v Mavericks
Sat, Apr 11, 4pm – Dragons v Panthers
Sat, Apr 11, 5pm – Thunder v Rhinos
Sat, Apr 11, 7pm – Forest v Lightning
ROUND 8
Fri, Apr 17, 7pm – Panthers v Forest
Sat, Apr 18, 4pm – Thunder v Dragons
Sat, Apr 18, 6pm – Lightning v Mavericks
Sun, Apr 19, 6pm – Pulse v Rhinos
ROUND 9
Fri, Apr 24, 7pm – Rhinos v Forest
Sat, Apr 25, 4pm – Mavericks v Thunder
Sat, Apr 25, 6pm – Panthers v Pulse
Sun, Apr 26, 4pm – Dragons v Lightning
ROUND 10
Sat, May 2, 6pm – Dragons v Forest
Sat, May 2, 7:30pm – Rhinos v Mavericks
Sun, May 3, 6pm – Pulse v Lightning
Mon, May 4, 6pm – Thunder v Panthers
ROUND 11
Fri, May 8, 7pm – Panthers v Lightning
Sat, May 9, 3pm – Forest v Mavericks
Sat, May 9, 3:30pm – Dragons v Rhinos
Sat, May 9, 6pm – Thunder v Pulse
ROUND 12
Fri, May 15, 7pm – Rhinos v Thunder
Fri, May 15, 7pm – Lightning v Forest
Sat, May 16, 6pm – Panthers v Dragons
Sun, May 17, 4pm – Mavericks v Pulse
ROUND 13
Fri, May 22, 7pm – Forest v Thunder
Sat, May 23, 6pm – Lightning v Rhinos
Sun, May 24, 5pm – Pulse v Dragons
Sun, May 24, 6pm – Mavericks v Panthers
ROUND 14
Fri, May 29, 7pm – Rhinos v Panthers
Sat, May 30, 4pm – Mavericks v Dragons
Sat, May 30, 5pm – Thunder v Lightning
Sun, May 31, 6pm – Forest v Pulse
Final series to follow…
Grand Final on Saturday, June 20
Loughborough Lightning won the Netball Super Cup. Will they do the double in 2026? Image courtesy of Netball Super League
