THE 2024 Netball Super League season is almost upon us, and to celebrate the build up to the season, Rookie Me Central will be previewing each of the 10 competing teams and seeing how this year might unfold for them.

Last season saw the Rhinos results go backwards. Five less wins meant a slide down the ladder, and that first win of the season was a long while coming.

But, like several other clubs in the league the Rhinos have had a list rejuvenation over the offseason, with very little of the 2023 list still in Leeds in 2024.

They have lost a significant chunk of experience with the likes of Elle McDonald, Nia Jones and Brie Grierson leaving, but they have also gained a fair amount of it too.

One of the biggest signings anyone made in the offseason was Geva Mentor, who is returning to the Super League and joining the Rhinos after a decorated career in Australia’s SSN competition.

With last season’s key defensive pillar Vicki Oyesola one of the many departures from the Rhinos ahead of 2024, Mentor is the perfect replacement to help this young Rhinos side, and defence specifically – Michelle Magee, Zoe Davies and Sarah Macphail. Davies in particular will be an interesting one to watch as someone who has been a training partner for a while and will really be looking to make the most of this senior contract opportunity.

Moving through to the midcourt, and it is perhaps even younger than the defensive end. Celyn Emanuel, Amelia Hall and Cassie Howard will be looking up to Caroline O’Hanlon to be a leading force through the midcourt and help guide the otherwise young group. O’Hanlon will have a lot more pressure on her this year, as without McDonald or Jones alongside her in that midcourt she is going to have to step up and create more of the feeds for the Rhinos.

The shooting department of the Rhinos is sure to provide plenty of intrigue. With both regular starting shooters from 2023 Grierson and Ellie Bird leaving at the end of last season, the question will be which combination will be the go to option for Liana Liota this season.

One player that is sure to be one of the starters is Joyce Mvula, who returns to the league after a tough year away in New Zealand. She spent much of a frustrating 2023 on the bench at the Central Pulse, so will be wanting to ensure that 2024 is not the same kind of year.

The question is will it be Harriet Jones or Emma Magee that partners Mvula in the circle? And how hard will Amy Braithwaite push her for a starting spot?

Leeds Rhinos 2024 Squad

Geva Mentor, Joyce Mvula, Harriet Jones, Sarah MacPhail, Emma Magee, Zoe Davies, Celyn Emanuel, Amelia Hall, Cassie Howard, Caroline O’Hanlon, Michelle Magee, Amy Braithwaite