Rhinos return to first direct Arena to take on Lightning this Sunday

Off the back of a win over Strathclyde Sirens last time out, Leeds Rhinos Netball head to the first direct Arena this Sunday as Liana Leota’s side take on Loughborough Lightning, FCP 4pm.

As the teams passed the halfway point in the season, the Rhinos moved up to seventh with four wins in their last six games and are chasing Lexis Nexis Dragons and Surrey further up the league table. Lightning meanwhile are battling at the top end of the table as they are level with Manchester Thunder on 27 points.

Opposition

After claiming their second Netball Super League title last season, Vicky Burgess’ side is largely unchanged in 2024, with key shooter Mary Cholhok, captain Nat Panagarry and defensive stoppers Beth Cobden and Alice Harvey retained. Following the loss of Fran Williams to West Coast Fever, Lightning recruited South African Nicola Smith, former Dragons player Annabel Roddy and Pulse goal keeper Jade Popoola to bolster the defence, and goal attack/shooter Niamh McCall’s signing added another threat up top as the team go in search of back-to-back titles.

After 11 games, Lightning have recorded ten wins and the most points of any team so far this season. A one-point loss to London Pulse in round three is the only blot on a record that sees Burgess’ side come into this weekend’s game on a seven-game winning run, having beaten Manchester, Strathclyde, Cardiff, Severn, Saracens twice and the Rhinos back in round five.

Following this week’s clash with the Rhinos at the first direct Arena and the battle with Manchester, they finish their campaign with games against Team Bath, Cardiff, Sirens, Pulse and Stars, by which point they hope to have a spot in the semi-final locked up.

Key players

Mary Cholhok

Ugandan shooter Mary Cholhok is closing in on her scoring record from 2023 as she sits as the league’s top scorer once again. Out of 10 games so far, she has 487 goals (most in the comp) and is averaging a shot percentage of 87, putting her 100 goals ahead of next best shooter Sigi Burger and 15 ahead of Joyce Mvula.

Having debuted for the club back in 2019, she has over 3000 points to her name in 67 games.

Beth Cobden

Keen to put her injury woes behind her from last season, Beth Cobden returns to Loughborough and has been ever-present for the side this season.

Regarded as one of the best defensive players in the netball world, she signed for a second spell Lightning in 2021 from Adelaide Thunder and played 38 games before suffering an ACL injury that ruled her out of last season.

Rhea Dixon

A familiar face lining up against the Rhinos on Sunday will be Rhea Dixon, who played two seasons for Leeds in 2021 and 2022. The goal attack helped the Rhinos to the semi-finals in the franchise's first season, and scored 221 goals in 24 games.

She comes into this season after her first Netball Super League title in 2023, and will be eager to add another in 2024.

Recent Meetings vs Lightning

2024 – Loughborough Lightning 77 Leeds Rhinos 55

2023 – Leeds Rhinos 56 Loughborough Lightning 72

2023 - Loughborough Lightning 63 Leeds Rhinos 49

2022 – Leeds Rhinos 56 Loughborough Lightning 71

2022 - Loughborough Lightning 62 Leeds Rhinos 54

2021 – Leeds Rhinos 38 Loughborough Lightning 58

2021 - Loughborough Lightning 59 Leeds Rhinos 51

2021 – Leeds Rhinos 41 Loughborough Lightning 70

Last time out

The Rhinos bounced back from defeat to Manchester with a convincing 55-44 outing against Strathclyde Sirens to move up to seventh in the Netball Super League table.

More information

Tickets are still available for fans to buy now for Sunday’s game, starting at £19.95 for adults and £14.95 for juniors. CLICK HERE to buy tickets or VIP packages.

The game will also be available to watch on Sky Sports YouTube.