NIC Leeds Rhinos Netball sign ANZ Premiership champion Charlotte Manley

NIC Leeds Rhinos Netball have added exciting New Zealand defender Charlotte Manley to their squad for the 2027 Netball Super League season, with the 22-year-old arriving in Yorkshire from reigning ANZ Premiership champions Northern Mystics.

Manley joins the Rhinos following a rapid rise through the New Zealand pathway, having spent the past four years within the Mystics and Marvels training environment before earning a fully contracted position with Northern Mystics. Where she has continued to build her reputation as one of New Zealand's exciting young defensive talents.

Manley enjoyed a landmark 2026 campaign with the Mystics, helping the Auckland side claim a record fourth ANZ Premiership title with a 56-46 Grand Final victory over Southern Steel.

Able to play at both Goal Defence and Goalkeeper, Manley is renowned for her speed, agility and ability to contest the ball. Her quick reactions and closing speed allow her to apply pressure throughout the circle, while her versatility gives the Rhinos another exciting option in defence.

Her development has also been recognised on the international stage. Manley was part of the New Zealand Under-21 squad and made the final selection for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, where the New Zealand side went on to claim a silver medal.

A former New Zealand Secondary Schools representative, Manley came through St Kentigern College before progressing into the Mystics pathway and ultimately becoming an ANZ Premiership champion.

Now, she will bring her experience of playing at the highest level of New Zealand domestic netball to Leeds as the Rhinos prepare for the 2027 Netball Super League season.

Speaking on her netball journey to the Rhinos, Manley said:

"I started playing in the ANZ development league with Marvels straight out of high school. In my second year, I was a training partner with the Mystics, and the following year I was brought in as a replacement player. I became a full-time player in the 10 and made my debut that season.

“Last year was my first fully contracted season from the start, so I played a lot more minutes, had a few starts and played some full games. It's been a really good pathway to go through and I've learned a lot along the way.

“I was in the New Zealand Under-21 team in Gibraltar, so I got to play against the England Under-21 team that Lauren was working with. Seeing how they played and watching Lauren lead those girls was great. I think it was just an awesome opportunity to experience a new style of play and continue to develop my game, so I'm really grateful to have been given the chance to come over.

“I'm also really excited about the opportunity to travel and experience a new part of the world. I've been to London and Scotland a few times because I've got family over here, but I've never really been outside of London. I'm looking forward to heading up north and I've heard lots of good things about Leeds from everyone I've spoken to.

“It's really exciting to be able to travel, meet new people and experience different places. I've always seen myself living on this side of the world at some point in my life, so it's really cool that I've now got the opportunity to live in Leeds while also pursuing my netball.

“I'd say my game is fast-paced and I'm really hungry for the ball. I like to play with a lot of energy and I won't stop working, so hopefully the fans can expect to see that when I'm out on court.”

Lauren Palmer added:

“Charlotte is a really exciting addition for us. She’s coming in after playing in the ANZ Premiership last season and is another really exciting young New Zealand talent. She also represented New Zealand at the Youth World Cup, so she already has experience of playing at a high level despite being at the beginning of her career.

“She’s an incredible defender. She’s physically strong, has really quick feet and will work tirelessly in the circle to hassle her opponent and disrupt the attack. For Charlotte, a big focus will be continuing to develop her as a goalkeeper, but she’s already a really exciting prospect with a huge amount of potential.

“She’ll also bring a slightly different style to our defensive unit and give us a bit of that New Zealand influence. I’m really excited to have Charlotte come in, add that difference to our defence.”

Everyone at NIC Rhinos looks forward to seeing her make her mark in blue and amber during the 2027 season.

* Charlotte’s arrival in Leeds is subject to the completion of the necessary documentation and travel arrangements.