Netball Super League | Leeds Rhinos confirm Donnell Wallam departure

Leeds Rhinos Netball have today confirmed that Donnell Wallam will not return to the club next season.

The goal shooter confirmed her decision not to take the option for the second year of her contract to allow her to be closer with her family back in Australia.

Donnell joined the club ahead of their inaugural season in the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) and scored 483 goals in eleven appearances and was named the Sky Sports Fans’ Player of the Year and also picked up the same honour at the club’s annual awards.

Speaking about the announcement, Leeds Rhinos Netball Franchise Director Dan Busfield said: “Donnell has been a superstar for the Rhinos in our debut season and she certainly made a big impression on the competition and fans from all clubs.

We would like to thank @DonnellWallam for the huge contribution she made to our club in our debut @NetballSL season and wish her all the best for the future.#RhinosFamily 💙💛
Watch her highlights ➡️https://t.co/sYIPxYgMx0 pic.twitter.com/W7jpCdArKp

— Leeds Rhinos Netball (@RhinosNetballSL) July 30, 2021

“Although we are disappointed she will not be returning for her second season in Leeds, we understand her wishes to return home to be closer to her family. We would like to thank Donnell for all her hard work and contribution to our team and we wish her all the best for the future.”

The Australian made a significant impact during her time in the VNSL as she helped guide newcomers Rhinos to the semi-finals. Wallam scored some of the season’s most unique goals despite having fracturing her radius bone at the start of the season and missing the end of the campaign due to the sad loss of her grandma.

Wallam added: “It was the most difficult decision to make, but the right decision for me right now. I would like to thank the club, coaches, my team mates and the netball fans in the UK for making me feel so welcome. Hopefully in the future I can come back again!”

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