Amy Clinton will also be an important player in the shooting circle, while Laura Rudland has joined from Team Bath, giving the team another attacking option at wing attack/goal attack. Surrey Storm shooter Kelk impressed during the British Fast 5 All Stars a few years ago. Defender and doctor Guscoth entering back into the British Superleague after a stint for the Adelaide Thunderbird’s is massive. Anyone that matches up to Courtney Bruce will be worth a watch, Adean Thomas – I’m a massive fan of hers and I’m so glad she’s in the league. For a while now, English netball fans have been worried about life after Geva Mentor. Manchester Thunder – With former England Netball Coach, Tracey Neville back in the mix, along with Karen Greig, Thunder will certainly be ones to watch. Another returning international is Layla Guscoth, who joins a star studded Bath defensive lineup. Better known previously as a shooter, she is now playing more predominantly as a defender. Losing Oyesola is big news but they’ve been working hard with their youngsters and Odeogberin has really started to shine, alongside May who impressed in the recent legends series. In goal attack, Corbin has the capability to provide slick and crafty ball movement, but sometimes lets this impact her accuracy under the post. Kiwi midcourt maestro Liana Leota was the overwhelming fan favourite during the recent series between the VNSL All Stars and England. Whilst the Netball Scoop brand came into existence in 2011, its origins began a decade earlier. Loughborough Lightning – Lightning could strike this year as Cobden returns to the side. As a result of COVID-19, the competitors goes to be held throughout two centralised venues – Studio 001 in Wakefield after which the Copper Field Area in London. (Photo Credit: England Netball), TEAM BATH Really good. 10 Feb 2021; Safe to Return Netball for Community & National Squads. It may be somewhat of a surprise for those that have followed her Super Netball career, but it’s highly likely Lee-Jones will be used at goal shooter as well as goal keeper. In defence, they must focus on building pressure and winning clean ball. First choice goal keeper Eboni Usoro-Brown gave birth in August, and is working her way back to full fitness. Ellie Kelk – Perhaps a surprise pick. Sportline.co.nz was set up by Sandy Joblin in January 2001. Between the two of them, there should be no problem for Lightning scoring goals, and plenty of them. I discovered some videos of the Aussie shooter playing for the West Coast Warriors and she’s got a style that will suit Superleague’s brand of netball. They may need to vary  their attacking set-up to avoid becoming predictable. Three straight wins, before it all just ground to a halt. This kind of blanket coverage is a vast improvement and the sort of thing UK Superleague fans have been dreaming of for many years. London Pulse – Pulse are somewhat of a wildcard pick, but I believe they have the speed and flair to cause a lot of upsets this year and this might just see them squeeze into the Top 4. Firstly, Scottish stalwart Claire Maxwell is having a baby. A guide to all 11 Vitality Netball Superleague teams ahead of the start of the 2021 season. Caroline O’Hanlon is one of the fittest and most consistent centres in the league, while England players Laura Malcolm and Amy Carter complete a centre court with both flair and stamina. Also in defence, former Australian junior representative Leah Middleton has been very impressive in the pre-season and looks set for a breakout season. I’m hoping we not only get to see her ability but also her passion and personality that their whole team had on the world stage. The defence is extremely strong with a likely back four of all English Roses. Her showing in New Zealand for England shows she is also a threat on the international scene and a good showing this season should earn her a place in Jess Thirlby’s Commonwealth Games squad. Coach: Lesley MacDonald, Yasmin Parsons of Surrey Storm with the ball (Photo Credit: England Netball), SURREY STORM Sam Bird, the head coach of London Pulse, who play their home games at the Copper Box, said: “It’s a relief and an absolute delight to see the clubs have pulled together so well. Will it be Manchester Thunder, the most recent title winners? So, it’ll be great to see her continue to carve out her shooting skills with Team Bath alongside Kim Borger. Dynamic midcourter Sophie Morgan and Jamaican goal attack Rebekah Robinson will share the job of leading the team as co-captains. Abby Tyrrell is always a very solid performer in defence. And they hit the ground running. The 2020 competition was won by the Sneakers Stingrays. Not least, England’s MOST-capped player of all time, Jade Clarke in addition to the recent signing to Tuaine Keenan and Northern Ireland international Fi Toner. Fresh from a terrific performance for the Superleague All Stars in the recent series against England, Sam May is in the perfect form to do just that. Meanwhile, kiwi Jo Trip was consistently one of the best performers for the opposing All Stars team. 2020: Played 3 (0 wins, 3 losses). Layla. The only team which failed to notch a win in last year’s abandoned competition, Celtic Dragons could be forgiven for going into the 2021 season with low expectations. Netball health check for 2021: Which stars are waning, who is on the rise and what is the sport's looming crisis? They were definitely starting to find Borger better at the start of last season but she isn’t the same sort of target some of the other teams have. 2021 Squad: Jade Clarke (co-capt), Britt Coleman, Rhea Dixon, Brie Grierson, Amelia Hall, Rosie Harris, Emily Hollingworth, Tuaine Keenan, Paige Kindred, Michelle Magee, Vicki Oyesola, Sienna Rushton, Fionnuala Toner (co-capt), Donnell Wallam. It was a huge financial blow to franchises, which rely heavily on matchday income from tickets and merchandise sales. They have the potential in Clinton and Robinson to build an exciting and dynamic attack but must ensure they avoid that inconsistency. She’s getting better every time I see her and not only has she got all the flair and physical attributes, she’s learning how to lead too. With strong attacking and defensive units, I think it is Pulse’s midcourt that needs to step up in order to push for finals. Friday 12th March 2021 @ 19.15. She’s stepped up for England and causes all kinds of headaches for the opposition. Mavericks’ Razia Quashie, a popular choice as one of our players to watch (Photo Credit: England Netball). Clarke’s ability to maintain a cool, calm head on court and rally the team is going to be a huge factor in determining the success of the side’s maiden season. Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) sides have all revealed their home dresses ahead of the 2021 campaign which starts this Friday. 0 0. Or will rookie Lois Pearson get a run at goal attack instead? Ine-Mari Venter – It’s usually players going from Superleague to Super Netball, but Venter, who is yet to truly showcase what she can do, brings skills and secrets she has picked up in Australia’s elite league, and that can only benefit Mavericks and UK netball. The 2021 season begins on Feb 12 and will be staged at two venues, with the first half of the campaign being played at the 001 Studio in Wakefield before fixtures move to London’s Copper Box Arena. 2021 Squad: Gia Abernethy (capt), Emma Barrie, Rachel Conway, Taylor Cullen, Beth Dix, Lynsey Gallagher, Bethan Goodwin, Emma Love, Sarah MacPhail, Niamh McCall, Nicola McCleery, Emily Nicholl, Caitlin Pringle, Towera Vinkhumbo. Teams are permitted to sign 10 registered players and five training partners during the signing window. The start of the 2021 season is finally upon us. 2021 Squad: Gezelle Allison, Sophia Candappa (capt), Lily-May Catling, Iona Christian, Rachel Dunn, Amy Flanagan, Leah Goss, Katie Harris, Ally Housley, Josie Huckle, Ruth Hughes, Hannah Leighton, Ella Powell-Davies, Megan Thorne, Fran Williams. But they’ll have to do it without a couple of familiar faces, Jade Clarke and Hannah Knights. Saracens Mavericks – You simply cannot overlook the incredible form that Razia Quashie is in right now and the Mavs’ defensive wall is up there with Bath’s as the strongest in the league. But Fadoju is going to be one incredible player. They’ll need to settle into the season quickly and ensure they are delivering accurate and calm circle feeds and treasuring any ball they get. Manchester Thunder – 2019 champions and a team that are always tough to beat, they should once again be in the mix. 2020: Played 3 (3 wins, 0 losses). 2021 Squad: Rebecca Baker, Victoria Booth, Amy Clinton, Morganne Dunn, Lucy Howells, Clare Jones, Annika Lee-Jones, Sophie Morgan (co-capt), Shona O’Dwyer, Annie O’Rourke, Rebekah Robinson (co-capt), Laura Rudland, Christina Shaw, Leila Thomas, Abby Tyrrell. Unbelievable. If we discount last year, they are the reigning Superleague Champions so with such a forceful coaching team, in addition to all the on-court talent, they could clinch “back-to-back” titles. Burger’s high accuracy could prove vital for the London team, should a place in the top four come down to the wire. All the more reason then to get excited about 2021. Official Table information from Vitality Netball Superleague with all the points in an easy to read table to keep you updated on the latest scores The 2021 Vitality Netball Superleague season begins on February 12, reside on Sky Sports activities, and there are just a few new components to find out about. Beth Cobden – Following a couple of years in Australia – and another horrible lengthy injury lay-off – it’s brilliant to see Cobden back because she is one of the best wing defence players in the world at her best. There has been a big turnover in personnel at the other end of the court, where one player to watch will be Lucy Herdman. Goodwin and Barrie have proven their composure at both club and international level and partner well with Gallagher, who brings energy to the goal attack position. It’ll be exciting to see her play with Serena Guthrie as well as defenders Eboni Usoro-Brown and Summer Artman. Felisitus Kwangwa – Zimbabwe were the surprise package at the 2019 Netball World Cup and their captain was a huge part of that. 2020: played 4 (1 win, 3 losses). This could be a huge season for her if she is able to take control of feeding the circle whilst putting on her trademark defensive pressure. TAMSIN GREENWAY (Sky Sports / Scottish Thistles coach). The official account of Suncorp Super Netball. Guscoth. It is a well balanced team, but after last year’s poor start, people will be asking if Wasps can recapture past glories. In just their second year in the Superleague, they started with a bang. This year’s Bath lineup looks stronger all round than that one, and that should allow Guthrie the freedom to just do what she does best. Yorkshire has a presence in the Superleague again, with the admission of Leeds Rhinos into the competition. Sportsbeat. But they will have to do that without stalwart defender and captain of the past two seasons, Katy Hughes, who has retired. With Rowe able to provide a focal point in the circle, her relationship with Reed continues to develop and if both can remain focused and firing for all four quarters, Stars have a chance to shine in 2021. Another Thunder legend returning is Kerry Almond who has come out of retirement to replace Loreen Ngwira who had to return to Malawi. Can they win it again? Her opportunity to shine in the Suncorp Super Netball League was hampered because of this, I think she’ll relish being back with Loughborough Lightning and I imagine she’ll be better than ever after a tough stint in the game. She starred when given opportunities for the Pulse last season. Manchester Thunder – It would be bold not to assume the reigning champions would not be there or there abouts when it comes to finals. The decision has been taken to allow for … Another interesting signing is goal shooter Donnell Wallam, who has dominated the WA Netball League in Australia for the past two years. Jamaican Gezelle Allison has joined the team this season, and is likely to partner Dunn in the circle, although Katie Harris is a strong option too. Now it gets trickier. Opponents be wary. LATEST NEWS. Loughborough Lightning – A team with a point to prove, Panagarry, Clark, Cobden and Joseph want the title they’ve come so close to winning in the past few seasons. However, this shouldn’t be a problem for the side with the likes of English Rose Williams stepping up to join the leadership team after breakout performances on the international stage. Ian Holloway, Vitality Netball Superleague and Competitions Director at England Netball, said: “Despite the disappointment we all faced when the 2020 season was cancelled due to the pandemic, we’re now really excited to see what the 2021 season has in store for us. Last year’s season was suspended with just three rounds played when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, weeks after the competition had attracted a record 9,000-strong crowd on the opening day of the season. At times, it looked like we wouldn't make it, but the 2021 Vitality Netball Superleague is about to start. From 17 August to 30 October, all eleven clubs had the opportunity to bolster their squads for the 2021 season. 2020: Played 3 (2 wins, 1 loss). The lack of an experienced natural goal attack could prove a sticking point and pressure will fall on the midcourt. Partnering Austin in the midcourt will be Yasmin Parsons, who along with her playmaking ability, will be relied upon to take a greater leadership role. Or the newest entry to Superleague, Leeds Rhinos. Unfortunately, probably the biggest signing of them all, Australian star Madi Browne, has had to defer her arrival at the club until 2022. But even though they may be lacking the big names of some other teams, coach Tania Hoffman has assembled a lineup full of enthusiasm. Donations will be used exclusively for website hosting and associated upgrade costs. She was a major part of the Lightning team that made the grand final in both 2017 and 2018. She’s still only 18, but if she doesn’t turn out to be an absolute gun for the Roses in years to come, I will be stunned. Link that with Williams and Flanagan who turn ball over effortlessly just when the team needs it – I think they’ll be up there when it matters. 2019: Won An introduction to Vitality Netball Superleague in 2021. It will be interesting to see how she and the other youngsters progress in 2021. The 2021 Super League table will be determined using points percentage for the second successive season. *Event and … South African Ine-Mari Venter has been brought in to replace George Fisher who signed on to play in the ANZ Premiership this year. It’s a great chance for her to take her game to the next level, Razia Quashie – She’s just playing incredibly well. 2020 was tough enough as it was, but imagine you’re coach Sam Bird and her London Pulse team. Wasps should not find themselves short of goals as both Dunn and Allison can shoot from distance. Their partnership with goal attack Lynsey Gallagher will go a long way to deciding the Sirens’ fate. Her elevation and ability to read the play will be key. Eleanor Cardwell – While of course much better known as a goal shooter, I think Cardwell is underrated as a goal attack, and this year I think she will get the chance to show just how well she can play the position. Captain on both of those occasions was midcourt star Nat Panagarry, and she is back to lead the side once again in her sixth season in purple. 0 0. They know how to win and with Rach Dunn under the post they are always going to score goals. Her ability to take a well-timed intercept can turn a game. The connections just weren’t there at that stage, and that’s only to be expected. 2020: Played 3 (3 wins, 0 losses). “The will to have our game visible and to show that female elite sport can continue even under these extremely difficult circumstances gives hope that we can attract new fans and investment for the following year, with good netball that people want to watch.”. In her absence, Sophia Candappa will take over the leadership of a strong and experienced lineup, coached by Mel Mansfield. If they can merge their styles to build a cohesive unit, Storm can create enough confusion to turn over ball. Putting those two together, and then adding Roses defender Jodie Gibson for good measure, sees the team with a fantastic defensive set up. England's January series with Jamaica postponed due to extended travel restrictions, England Netball supports decision to suspend player who breached Covid restrictions on New Year's Eve. Minutes. Manchester Thunder – Thunder has an incredible record of consistency in the Superleague. Coach Sara Bayman has at her disposal a talented list of athletes capable of challenging for a spot in the semi-finals. Dragons have struggled to maintain intensity and consistency throughout matches. Whilst Wallam brings bags of talent, her lack of experience in this league may be a weak spot that teams will look to exploit. Cholhok’s height and combination with fellow tall timber Clark is one of the Lightning’s greatest assets. Team Bath – Two words. Her partner in the circle will be dual international Ella Clark. Her performance could be key in ensuring Wasps are once again finals contenders. Her absence is likely to see Ellie Cardwell and Joyce Mvula share the circle, instead of fighting over the goal shooter bib. Playing all Funmi Fadoju – I was impressed with her the very first time I saw her play which was in a Netball Europe tournament. I’ve followed her since and she continues to impress. At the shooting end, Australian Kim Borger combines with another top young England talent in Sophie Drakeford-Lewis. Sophie Drakeford-Lewis – She has been on the fringes of the Bath side for a couple of seasons, but whenever she gets her chance on court, she’s consistent and quietly goes about her business. Seconds. Keys to success: Although competitive, Stars have struggled to maintain consistency and perform for the full 60 minutes in matches, never placing higher than sixth since their inception. 2020: Played 3 (1 win, 2 losses). No doubt they’ll be fired up to start well again. If she can maintain a cool head, her combination with Venter could be lethal. Look out for those beautiful long-bombs. Coach: Melissa Bessell, Scottish netball stalwart Claire Maxwell will be missing from the Sirens’ lineup this year (Photo Credit: England Netball), STRATHCLYDE SIRENS She’s so talented and exciting to watch, it’s time to make the most of her as I’m not sure she’ll be in our league much longer. Although the superstar will no-longer be able to make it to the UK this year, this team still has some impressive names. Captain Sasha Corbin leads the team well from wing attack, alongside the impressive Gabby Marshall at centre. Star players like Guscoth and Guthrie can take the snazzy intercepts whilst also putting in the hard yards, and if Sophie Drakeford-Lewis can ride the confidence she gained during the recent Legends Series, then they really do have the full package. This will no doubt hurt the club’s chances and disappoint many fans. Date. 2021 Squad: Halimat Adio (co-capt), Sigi Burger, Ashleigh Dekker, Michelle Drayne, Zara Everitt, Funmi Fadoju, Lindsay Keable (co-capt), Lefebre Rademan, Ellie Rattu, Kira Rothwell, Isabel Stibbs, Olivia Tchine, Emma Thacker, Adean Thomas, Monique Thompson. Video. Or maybe Mavericks? — Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) August 19, 2020. Keys to success: Wasps head into 2021 missing a couple of key players in Clarke and Knights. Team Bath – With the return of Serena Guthrie and Layla Guscoth, and just a stacked side all round, expect to see Bath right up there challenging for the title. Serena Guthrie – Watching Guthrie in 2019 when she returned to play in England, she was simply everywhere in attack and defence. The talent assembled this year suggests that Anna Stembridge’s team have an excellent shot at winning number six. Coach: Anna Stembridge, Wasps’ defender Fran Williams looks to pass. But Summer Artman is more than capable of filling her role if needed. Her ability to read the play and timing is excellent and she is continuing to develop the footwork required to absolutely dominate the circle. Eleanor Cardwell – This is a big season for Cardwell, who I expect to see play more regularly at goal attack with Kathryn Turner on maternity leave. The 2020 VNSL, which was looking like an incredible competition, had to be abandoned halfway through the fourth round due to COVID-19. 2019: 5th Netball Super League 2021. Her link with Nat Panagarry will be key to their success. But with Turner taking the season off, Thunder must decide whether to give youngster Pearson a baptism of fire and hand her a spot in the seven, or push Cardwell out to goal attack, where she may perhaps have less impact. She’s back. And then I found out her age! But can they still be highly competitive without Browne? Having fallen short in recent years and failed to reach the final, Bath must ensure they carry momentum to the end of the season. A familiar face returns in title-winning coach Tracey Neville, who will assist Karen Greig in coaching the team, led by Emma Dovey. And what a start! Team Bath – Bath have dominating players throughout the court and for me, are a sure pick for the finals this year. Ever-improving goal shooter Georgia Rowe shot 47/48 in that match, and she is understandably the target of much of the Stars attack. Netball health check for 2021: Which stars are waning and who is on the rise. Unfortunately, there is no defending champion this year. Whatever the case, they’ll be on the end of the slick work of an international midcourt, with Northern Ireland’s irrepressible Caroline O’Hanlon joined by England duo Laura Malcolm and Amy Carter. One thing’s for sure. Midcourt dynamo Mikki Austin is back for her third year as Storm’s playing coach, and she will be looking for a move up the ladder from her squad. So who’s going to win? 'Now it becomes more cutthroat' - What England learned from series win over Superleague All Stars, England to treat series against 'All Star' Superleague side like another international competition, England to face 'All Star' Netball Superleague team as replacement for cancelled Jamaica series. She will step away from playing to take up an assistant coach’s role. Leeds Rhinos – Dan Ryan meant business when he signed legendary Aussie player Madi Browne to the Yorkshire team for their inaugural season. Keys to success: Rhinos begin their debut season with a relatively inexperienced attacking end. Captain Abernethy must stand up if the Scottish side are hoping to challenge the top teams. Or Wasps, who won it for the two previous years? It’s in the shooting circle where the big change has occurred. 2021 Squad: Adi Bolakoro, Chloe Carchrie, Bethan Dyke, Issy Eaton, Ellie Gibbons, Lucy Harris, Lucy Herdman, Hannah Howl, Nia Jones, Malysha Kelly, Liana Leota (capt), Paige Reed, Georgia Rowe, Jane Taylor, Iman Thomas. Her immense hands over pressure at WD and great elevation when back in the circle at GD makes her one of the stand-out players on court. The other import is Australian Annika Lee-Jones, who replaces Wilson.