Hollingworth signs up for second season with Rhinos Netball

Leeds Rhinos Netball’s preparations for the 2022 Vitality Netball Superleague season have been boosted with the news that centre court player Emily Hollingworth has re-signed for the club on a one year-deal.

The Huddersfield born player, who plays centre, wing defence and goal defence, made 15 starts for the Rhinos last season and played a further five appearances from the bench, making a big impression on the competition and winning Player of the Match in the game against Surrey Storm.

The 24 year-old began playing netball with her local club Huddersfield Giants where she won the Junior Yorkshire Netball League with their Under-16 side. She also played for Shipley before moving to Yorkshire Jets where she featured for their NPL side.

Hollingworth moved to Team Northumbria in 2015, spending three Superleague seasons there before signing for Loughborough in 2018, while also representing the University of Nottingham.

She earned selection for England U17s in 2013 and in 2016 she made her England U21 debut, going on tour to Australia and winning Netball Europe.

Commenting on joining the Rhinos Hollingworth said: “I am really looking forward to this year and being back in training. I just hope we can build on last season and keep the momentum going.

”First week of pre season has been tough but I was pleased to see all the girls. I really enjoyed my first season, it’s such a supportive environment to be part of and the girls and coaching staff want the best for each other. Doing so well in our first year was great and getting top four was amazing so hopefully more of that this year.

“Personally I felt quite positive about last season, I felt like I improved a lot so if I can carry on developing I will be really happy with that.”

Maggie Birkinshaw, assistant coach for Rhinos Netball added: “Emily is quick, smart and tough defensively with heaps of positional flexibility and can cover the defensive mid court with great conviction.

“I’ve have followed Emily’s career for many years and she is a great player to coach. She showed great character to come back from injury to compete at the top level again. We were delighted to bring her to the Rhinos last season to have homegrown talent playing elite level in the county again and it is a big boost for our team that she has agreed a new deal.”

Emily is the tenth signing confirmed by Leeds Rhinos Netball, joining Rhea Dixon, Vicki Oyesola, Sienna Rushton, Tuaine Keenan, Amy Clinton, Amelia Hall, Rebekah Airey, Paige Kindred and Brie Grierson.