Team Guide: Leeds Rhinos

NIC Leeds Rhinos will hope to make their return to the play-offs for the first time since their debut season in 2021.

New head coach Lauren Palmer will lead the Yorkshire outfit into the new era of Netball Super League, and will be encouraged by what she saw as her side reached the final of the Netball Super Cup.

Rhinos finished fifth last season and have a refreshed squad ready to help them take that next step into the top four.

Head Coach 

Lauren Palmer brings Grand Final experience fresh from Manchester Thunder, having been part of the four-time champions’ coaching staff since 2017, during which time they have hoisted the trophy twice.

She also brings international experiences having been involved with the Roses’ coaching set-up, during roles with the Academy and Future Roses.

During her spell as Roses Academy Assistant Coach, she helped the U17s, U19s and U21s to gold in Europe Netball.

Captain 

Bethany Brittain was appointed as Leeds Rhinos’ captain in February 2025 ahead of the new season and will be supported by a leadership group of Geva Mentor, Joyce Mvula and Rosie Harris.
Brittain will lead from wing attack, where she has regularly puts up big numbers for feeds for Surrey Storm and Strathclyde Sirens in recent seasons.
She said: "I am honoured and a little bit shocked, we have quite a few natural leaders, I feel like anyone could have been picked."

Star Player 

NIC Leeds Rhinos boast star quality at either end of the court with England legend Geva Mentor at goal keeper and Malawi international Joyce Mvula at goal shooter.
Mvula could prove a matchwinner for Rhinos this season thanks to her unflappable ability under the post.

Mvula returns for her second season with Rhinos, having made her NSL debut in 2017. She brings winning experience having won the title during a six season stint with Manchester Thunder.

One To Watch 

Future Rose Ella Bowen joins Rhinos this season from Manchester Thunder and, having been given little chance to shine last year, she is set for a much bigger role in Leeds.

The 23-year-old defender, who plays goal defence and wing defence, was called up to the Roses Academy at just 15 and has seen her age group England career go from strength-to-strength.

New Name 

Sophie Egbaran is a fresh face in the Rhinos dressing room having made the switch from London Mavericks at the start of the season.

The goal attack’s first impressions have been strong as she maintained a 100% super shot record as Rhinos made the final of the Netball Super Cup to kick the season off.

Venues 

Rhinos will play most of their home fixtures at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield as they act as Yorkshire’s only representative in the NSL.

They do, however, get to play in their eponymous city when they welcome defending champions Loughborough Lightning to the First Direct Arena in Leeds on the 30th March.

First home game 

NIC Leeds Rhinos host Birmingham Panthers at the Canon Medical Arena in their first game of the 2025 season on Friday 14th March. Buy tickets here.