Howard commits future to the NIC Leeds Rhinos

Back to back Fans’ Player of the Year award winner, Cassie Howard, has committed her future to NIC Rhinos with a new one-year deal.

After joining the Rhinos in 2023, initially as a training partner, Howard has been one of the team’s most consistent players.  The young player is considered to be one of the game’s most talented rising stars, and this year was named as the best wing defence in the Netball Super League team of the Year.

The former London Pulse Academy player is the club’s longest-serving player and has been an almost ever-present since her debut, making 23 appearances.  This year she was named Players’ Player of the Year and was recognised by the national selectors with a place in the England Future Roses squad.

Speaking about resigning, Howard said: “I'm absolutely ecstatic to sign again with NIC Leeds Rhinos. I've been here for three years now, and I've had the most amazing time. The fans are great; the whole franchise is amazing. I’m really excited to be back with the coaching squad again and just to see what this new team can do.

“I've really felt welcomed in Leeds and it's become a second home for me.  I just have a lot of belief in this club and feel like there's more that we can give next season. I wanted to stay, be part of the community again and I’m really excited to see what we can do.

“I was honoured to receive both Players’ Player and Fans’ Player of the Year for the second year.  It means a lot to me because the fans are ultimately what we do it for. They got us through last season, and I can't wait to be able to be out performing in front of the fans again, I miss it already!”

NIC Rhinos Netball head coach, Lauren Palmer, added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have Cassie Howard back with the Rhinos for another year. Having worked with her over the past season, I’ve seen enormous growth in her game — and I know there’s still so much more to come.

“Cassie is a fearless, tenacious defender and a natural ball-winner. She brings real defensive instinct and energy, and will add another exciting dimension to our defensive unit. She’s an absolute dream to coach — driven, committed, and always looking to improve.

“I can’t wait to keep pushing forward with Cassie and help unlock the next levels in her game.”