The Netball Super League enters its 2026 season this weekend, following the Soft & Gentle Super Cup, with all eight teams having evolved to allow international talent to make their mark and introduce emerging stars as they step into bigger roles.
From dominant shooters to disruptive defenders, here are some of the players who are set to shape the campaign.
AO Manchester Thunder
Sophie Fawns (GA/GS)
Sophie Fawns arrives at Manchester Thunder from Australia’s NSW Swifts, bringing valuable experience from the elite-level Suncorp Super Netball competition. During the 2025 Super Netball season, she recorded 14 goals across four appearances, shooting at 56% accuracy. Operating across both goal attack and goal shooter, Fawns offers versatility in the attacking circle. Her composure and movement enable her to impact games beyond pure scoring, stretching defensive units and providing Thunder with an adaptable frontline option capable of stepping up in key moments.
Embed from Getty ImagesBirmingham Panthers
Kira Rothwell (GA/GS)
Kira Rothwell made the move from London Mavericks to Birmingham Panthers after a strong 2025 campaign. She was a key attacking contributor for Mavericks, shooting at approximately 85% accuracy and regularly surpassing the 20-goal mark in matches. Her sharp finishing made her a dependable scoring outlet, while her 26 Super Shots in eight appearances underlined her ability to influence momentum during the two-point period.
Embed from Getty ImagesLexisNexis Dragons
Jacqui Newton (GD/GK)
Jacqui Newton played a central defensive role for Cardiff Dragons in 2025, frequently finishing matches with multiple deflections and contested possessions, overall she had 50 deflections and 22 intercepts. Her defensive work often kept Dragons within reach in tightly fought contests despite a challenging overall season. Her ability to read attacking patterns and apply physical pressure in the circle provided Dragons with a resilient backbone in defence.
Embed from Getty ImagesLondon Mavericks
Suzie Liverseidge (WA/C)
Suzie Liverseidge was one of the most statistically influential players for London Mavericks in 2025. She recorded 441 feeds and 272 centre pass receives, the latter ranking second in the league, underlining her importance in driving attacking momentum and maintaining structure through the midcourt. Alongside her attacking output, she contributed 8 intercepts and 12 deflections, highlighting her defensive impact across the court. Liverseidge’s work rate and distribution were instrumental in helping Mavericks compete against higher-ranked opposition.
Embed from Getty ImagesLondon Pulse
Zara Everitt (WD/GD)
Zara Everitt concluded 2025 as one of London Pulse’s defensive cornerstones, playing a key role in maintaining the league’s strongest defensive record and completing an inaugural Grand Final victory. Throughout the season, she recorded 40 deflections and 13 intercepts, consistently producing multi-gain performances as captain of Sa Bird’s side. Her 63 centre pass receives also demonstrate her transitional value, linking defence into attack with composure and precision.
Embed from Getty ImagesNIC Leeds Rhinos
Sanmarie Visser (GD/GK/WD)
Sanmarie Visser strengthens NIC Leeds Rhinos’ defensive unit in 2025 following experience in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball system. During limited game time in 2025, she recorded 12 deflections and 5 intercepts. Capable of operating across goal defence, goal keeper and wing defence, Visser brings physical presence and strong transitional work. Her ability to contest aerial ball and disrupt rhythm has translated into a stabilising influence within Leeds’ defensive structure.
Embed from Getty ImagesLoughborough Lightning
Ella Clark (GA/GS)
Ella Clark finished 2025 as one of Loughborough Lightning’s primary attacking threats, scoring 166 goals at 76% accuracy across the season. Her ability to regularly post 25+ goal performances ensured Lightning remained firmly in finals contention. Clark’s 48 Super Shots further emphasised her importance during the two-point period, where she consistently shifted momentum in tight contests. Operating as both goal attack and goal shooter, she provides a reliable focal point in the circle and a confident long-range option.
Embed from Getty ImagesNottingham Forest
Rolene Streutker (GS)
Rolene Streutker set the benchmark for shooters in 2025 in her first season with Nottingham Forest Netball, finishing the season with 441 goals at an outstanding 84% shooting accuracy, alongside a league-leading 157 Super Shots. Named NSL Player of the Year, Streutker proved clinical under the post and vital from long range during the two-point period. With a strong hold in the circle, she absorbed physical defensive pressure, while her confidence from the Super Shot range stretched defensive units and forced tactical adjustments.
Embed from Getty Images
Leave a Reply