NXT Gen Rhinos Squad Confirmed for 2027

NIC Leeds Rhinos are pleased to confirm the 17 players selected for the club's NXT Gen squad for the 2027 season.

The squad will begin their 2027 campaign in February when they travel to face London Mavericks at Lady Eleanor Holles School, with first centre pass scheduled for 11:30am.

The NXT Gen programme sits at the heart of the NIC Leeds Rhinos player pathway, providing a competitive, high-performance environment for emerging athletes as they continue their development towards the elite level of the Netball Super League (NSL).

Each athlete will receive support from the club's high-performance and coaching staff, benefitting from elite training, match play opportunities and mentorship as part of their progression through the Rhinos pathway. By investing in young players and developing homegrown talent, NIC Leeds Rhinos continue to strengthen the foundations of the club and build for long-term success.

2027 NIC Leeds Rhinos NXT Gen Squad

Defence

• Neve Mortimer (GD, GK)
• Ocean White (GK, GD)
• Sasha Howard (GD, GK)
• Pippa Morgan (GK, GS)
• Sophia Warn (GD, GK)

Midcourt

• Libby Clark (WA, GA)
• Maia Bausor (C, WD)
• Rachel Towell (WA, C)
• Rose Bridson (WA, C)
• Abi Conway (WD, GD)
• Grace Waller (WD, C)

Shooters

• Bridget Morgan (GS, GA)
• Grace Ross (GA, GS)
• Olivia Leslie (GS, GA)
• Orlaith Rogers (GS, GA)
• Sophie Murray (GS, GA)
• Sophie Kimpton (GA, WA)

Several members of the squad return having already gained valuable experience within the NSL environment. Maia Bausor, Orlaith Rogers and Sasha Howard continue to make their mark within the Rhinos pathway after impressive breakthrough campaigns, while Rogers has also represented on the international stage at the Commonwealth Games.

The NXT Gen programme remains a crucial pathway into the senior NSL squad, offering players the opportunity to develop alongside and learn from established elite athletes. The programme has continued to produce players capable of making the step up to the professional game, reinforcing the club's commitment to nurturing local talent.

The squad will once again be led by NXT Gen Head Coach Francine Hall, who plays a pivotal role in the club's pathway structure and in maintaining a strong connection between the NXT Gen and NSL environments.

Speaking on the upcoming season, Francine said: "We were really keen to build on our squad from last season and push on with the consistency we started to play with towards the end of it. Many of our players have been in our Pathway programmes for a number of seasons now, and last season we saw a lot of growth in the group, both on and off the court. We wanted to reward that and continue working with a bulk of the 25/26 squad.

"There are some new and returning additions to bolster the talent we already have. With that competition for places, the standard of the training environment is already very high, and there will be tough decisions week in, week out for those 12 match day spots.
It will be interesting to see how we carry that momentum into the season. We have a long preseason and a bit more time to look at Supershot, develop our understanding of it and the league’s demands, and put that onto court in elite performances."

Looking at goals for the season, Francine said: "We’re just looking to continue to build. We had a great first season in the league, finishing 3rd, but were disappointed to finish 7th last season and not back up that first year. There were a few results we either let slip away or didn’t capitalise on, such as a bonus point loss."

Francine spoke about her NXT Gen players earning NSL call-ups last season: "Yes it was great to see athletes gain opportunity last season - we always want them to be training hard and playing hard and earning that opportunity in NSL. We know how hard it is to get contracts within the league, and that has a direct effect on the players we now see in the Nxt Gen league which will make it an even stronger competition.

"Performing week in, week out in those games, and having some athletes who will permanently sit across both training groups, will only add to their development experiences. Hopefully it means they’re even better equipped to step into the NSL if and when called upon.

"With the competition within the squad so high, there will be no place to hide this season if we’re not performing. Overall, success will be finishing higher than last season and having athletes exposed to the NSL environment, both on a match day and in training."

Joining Hall are Assistant Coach Chloe Smith and Team Manager Olivia Park, who will work closely with the squad throughout the season. Together, the coaching staff will provide tailored support and guidance to help each athlete maximise their potential while ensuring strong alignment with the club's senior performance programme.

NXT Gen Fixtures are as below: