Millie Sanders joins Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that Future Roses star Millie Sanders has joined the club for 2023 season from Manchester Thunder.

The 21-year-old, who can play goal defence and goal keeper, had a breakthrough season with Thunder in 2022, making 22 appearances in their Championship-winning campaign.

After playing for her county while still at school, the Bolton born player joined Thunder where she progressed through their Pathway to become a Training Partner in 2021 and made her Superleague debut that year.  She has represented England at U17, U19 and 21 level before being selected for the Future Roses programme this year.

A former pupil of Turton High School in Bolton, Sanders will combine her playing career with her full time job in business and sales with Avoira.

Speaking about her move to Leeds, Sanders said: “I’m really pleased to be joining the Rhinos, it’s a huge franchise and the fans and girls seem amazing and I just cant wait to get started.

“I had a great year with Thunder last year, I didn’t expect to get a contract and then to be playing most of the games I think it really brought me on, getting that exposure.  I was doing Under-21s before that and it’s a completely different game, with the fitness and everything so I think I have got a lot more experience which I hope to be able to bring over to Leeds.”

Leeds Rhinos Netball head coach Liana Leota said: “I know Millie through Thunder.  She has a lot of energy and hustle and is a hard worker.  She had a great season last year and put herself on the map.  She is part of the Roses Futures programme so I am excited to see how she develops over the next couple of years.”

Millie is the seventh player to be confirmed for the Rhinos for the 2023 Vitality Netball Superleague season.  She joins Brie Grierson, Vicki Oyesola, Michelle Magee, Rosie Harris, Nia Jones and Caroline O’Hanlon.