Rhinos hope to strengthen by adding McDonald
Leeds Rhinos Netball have added versatile mid-courter Elle McDonald to their squad for the 2023 Vitality Netball Superleague season, subject to passport approval.
The 28-year-old, who can cover all three mid-court positions, was born in Leigh before moving to Australia when she was eight.
McDonald was part of the Netball Victoria Pathway where she played at Under-19s, Division One and Championship level. She then joined Victorian Fury in the ANL in 2019 and a year later she signed for the Melbourne Vixens as a training partner and was lucky enough to be part of their Premiership year. She was then offered a contract with Adelaide Thunderbirds where she has played for the last two years.
Speaking about joining the Rhinos, McDonald said: “I am really pleased to be joining Leeds Rhinos this season and I can’t wait to get over to the UK to meet everyone and I think the team that Liana and the club have put together are super exciting and I am looking forward to getting started with training with everyone and seeing what we can produce on the netball court.
“I’ve heard amazing things about the Vitality Netball Superleague and Leeds Rhinos in particular so I am looking forward to meeting all the fans when I get over to the UK and I also think having Liana as coach is going to be unreal. I know as a midcourter myself there will be so much to learn from her and I’m ready for the new challenge and seeing what this team can do in 2023.
“I know Leeds Rhinos are a relatively new club and are striving for success. I am a competitive person on and off the netball court and I like to win, so I think this is an amazing opportunity for us as players to drive those high standards and aim for success and hopefully we will pave the way for future Rhinos and really start to build on creating a rich successful history for the club.”
Commenting on the new addition to her squad, Leeds Rhinos Netball head coach Liana Leota said: “Elle is an exciting player who I have been keeping an eye on for some time and I am grateful that she has chosen to come to the Rhinos. She has played for Adelaide Thunderbirds for the last two years and can play across all three midcourt positions so that’s a huge thing for us. I am delighted to be able to bring that Aussie flavour and style into our team and see how we can use it.”
Ellie is the tenth 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, Caroline O’Hanlon, Mille Sanders, Paige Reed and Ellie Bird.
