Rhinos Netball sign Loughborough NXT Gen defender
Leeds Rhinos Netball have completed the signing of Marlene Lange from Loughborough Lightning’s NXT Gen programme.
Lange arrives as a permanent replacement for Jaz Brown, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an ankle injury in Round 3 of the Netball Super League clash with Nottingham Forest Netball.
Lange makes the move to Leeds after a strong couple of seasons within Lightning’s Pathway, winning the NXT Gen league in 2025. She has combined her netball at Lightning with university life in Nottingham, where she has captained their netball team. Away from the court, she brings a well-rounded profile with university coaching experience, and a bilingual background having grown up in a German-English household.
Speaking on her journey to the Rhinos, she said: “I’ve been playing for Loughborough Lightning’s NXT Gen team for the past couple of seasons while studying at university in Nottingham.
“Last week, Lauren called me with the opportunity to replace Jaz for the rest of the season, and it was something I couldn’t pass up.”
The defender now links up with a Rhinos back line that already includes Yomi Wilson and Sanmarie Visser and she’s eager to add her own strengths into the mix.
“I’m really excited to play alongside Yomi and Sanna, they’re both incredible players. I’m hoping to bring a bit of physicality to the unit. They’re very rangy and I have some of that too, but I want to add strength in the circle and really attack the ball.”
Settling into the group has been made easier by familiar faces, including close friend Bella Baylis who she played at Loughborough with, as well as connections built through pathway and university netball such as Rhinos captain Paige Reed, who has coached Marlene at university.
“I’ve already met the squad and know quite a few of the players from the Lightning pathway. Bella is one of my closest friends, so it’s really special to be on the same team as her. Everyone has been so welcoming, and I’m really excited to get started.
“I’ve experienced the atmosphere at the Canon Medical Arena with Lightning NXT Gen earlier this season, but I’m looking forward to having the fans behind me this time.”
Alongside her playing career, Lange has also stepped into coaching and leadership roles commenting: “Being a captain and coaching at university this year has really broadened my understanding of the game.
“It’s given me more of a tactical perspective, although it’s also made me realise how much I enjoy being on the court and influencing the game physically. I’m incredibly excited to make my Super League debut. It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid.”
“I can’t wait to get out there, feel the support from the fans and have my family in the crowd as well. It will be really special.”
NIC Leeds Rhinos Head coach Lauren Palmer added: “We’re really pleased to welcome Marlene to the squad, she’ll bring a different dimension to our defence.
“We already have two very rangy defenders in Sanna and Yomi, but Marlene adds something different. She’s strong, quick and has been excelling in the NXT Gen league. She already has connections within the group through England pathways, university and previous franchises, so she’s settled in quickly and we’re looking forward to seeing what she can bring this season.”
