Mentor named Rhinos Netball captain

Leeds Rhinos Netball have named Geva Mentor as their captain heading into their fourth Netball Super League season, with Michelle Magee stepping up as vice-captain.

England Netball legend, Mentor made her Vitality Roses debut in 2000 against New Zealand, aged just 16, and represented her country in six Commonwealth Games and six World Cups, before her retirement from the international game last year. The goalkeeper, who has twice been named the World’s Best Netballer, returned to the UK with the Rhinos after 16 seasons playing in the ANZ Championship and Suncorp Super Netball.

Northern Ireland’s international Magee, joined the club originally as a training partner in the club’s debut season and has she gone to establish herself as a regular in the starting lineup and has made 39 appearances for the club.  Magee was Northern Ireland’s Young Player of the Year in 2019 and has represented the international side as two Commonwealth Games.

Speaking about the decision to appoint the pair in the leadership roles, Rhinos Netball head coach Liana Leota explained that it had been a decision from the playing group.

“This season we gave the girls the power to select their leaders.  Some of the feedback and the qualities that were identified overwhelmingly for Geva were her professionalism, kindness and the calmness that she brings on court and in sessions.  She has a wealth of experience and knowledge, is approachable and the girls respond well to her and I think she will be a great leader for our team.

“Michelle has been here since the very first season and she is passionate about the club.  The girls listen when she speaks and she steps up when needed.  Shelly is kind, hard-working and is always looking out for people and wanting the best for the team.”

Commenting on being given the captain’s armband, Mentor said: “I am really honoured.  To be a leader of any group is a massive privilege.  The main thing is to stay true to myself but also to empower the girls and make sure we get the best version out of them too.  I am looking forward to driving things on and off the court.”

Speaking about her vice-captain role Magee said: “It’s such a massive honour, I’ve always been grateful for any role I have played at Leeds Rhinos Netball, whether that was as a training partner and in this case a vice-captain role.  It’s also really nice that we have got the backing of the girls behind us as well.”