Triple Injury update for NIC Leeds Rhinos

Triple Injury update for NIC Leeds Rhinos 

NIC Leeds Rhinos Netball  have confirmed that Cassie Howard will not return for the 2026 Netball Super League (NSL) season after MRI scans showed she had suffered a grade 3 stress response in her shin. NXT Gen player Maia Bausor retains her place in the squad, after being elevated into last week’s squad.

Sanmarie Visser, who missed the last game is also unavailable with an ankle injury but is aiming for the team's Round 9 fixture against Nottingham Forest at the Canon Medical Arena. NXT Gen player and Cassie's sister Sasha Howard is named in the squad who made her NSL debut in Round 4 against LexisNexis Dragons.

Captain, Paige Reed, is also ruled out for the team’s trip to London Pulse after picking up a minor ankle injury at training  and will rest for Round 8. 
NXT Gen player Orlaith Rogers will step up as temporary replacement player for Reed for the fixture. Rogers made her NIC Rhinos debut in the semi final of the Soft and Gentle Super Cup against Loughborough Lightning earlier this season. 

Commenting on the news, Cassie Howard said: "I’m obviously really disappointed that I’ve been ruled out for the rest of the season as I was hoping to come back for the last few games. I’m going to focus on doing all I can to heal and intend to return stronger than ever. 

"I’m looking forward to seeing what the team can put out across the second half of the season as we have such a talented group of athletes here at Rhinos."

Despite the bad news, Cassie couldn't be prouder of her sister being elevated into the squad, saying: "It was a really special moment for both of us to be able to step out on court together. I feel extremely lucky to have had that opportunity in one of my final games this season. 

"I’m also incredibly excited for Sasha to have the chance to be in the squad again. She’s worked harder than anyone I know and has been thriving in the NSL environment, so I know she’s ready to take on this challenge and show what she can do in the league. There’s no one I’d rather have replace me, one Howard out, another Howard in.”

Cassie is part of the leadership group at NIC Leeds Rhinos and hopes to provide support from the sidelines, explaining: “It’s been a really tough year dealing with some of the losses we’ve had, but we have such an exciting and close-knit group of players. I’m doing my best to support their development in training and offer advice where I can as one of the more experienced members of the squad. 

"I’m focused on keeping positivity high and sharing my knowledge with the group. I’ve also really enjoyed supporting the next gen players who have stepped into the environment and made a strong contribution to Super League training.

“I’m really grateful for the support network I have around me - my family, my friends, and everyone at Rhinos who have made such a difference in what is a really tough period for me. 

"I’m also especially thankful for the support I’ve received from the fans. It’s inspired me to keep going through challenging moments like this.”

NIC Leeds Rhinos Netball coach Lauren Palmer added: “We’re obviously gutted to lose Cassie. She’s been managing a lower leg injury but it reached a point where further medical investigations were needed, and those results have now ruled her out for the rest of the season. She’s a big part of our team and has been with Rhinos for a long time, so she’ll be a real miss on court.

"That said, she’s been fantastic around the environment and has fully embraced a new role off court. She’ll continue to be with us every step of the way. It’s a tough moment for the group another injury and another setback, but we’ll regroup and come back stronger.

“It creates an opportunity for Sasha and Maia to come into the squad. We saw Sasha make her Netball Super League debut a few weeks ago, and we’ve loved having her around the group. She’s a rangey defender who brings something a little different, and this is a great opportunity for both players to gain valuable experience at this level.

"Maia is stepping up from the NXT Gen and has been part of the Rhinos for a long time, so it’s great to reward her loyalty and efforts. We’re looking forward to seeing her take to the court and show what she can do on the Super League stage.”