Jones named Captain at Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos Netball have announced that Welsh international Nia Jones as their new captain for the 2023 Netball Super League season.

Jones, who joined the Rhinos this season from Celtic Dragons, has 53 caps for Wales and becomes the second captain in the club’s history.

Speaking about taking the captaincy role Jones said: “To be included in the leadership group is a massive honour and I just look at the squad and I pinch myself when I see the team mates that I have. Going from playing against some of these players, thinking it must be cool to play alongside these players, and now to play alongside them is unreal, and this is how we feel when we look around the room.

“It’s now about gelling together, we’ve all got good talents but it’s a team sport and it’s about coming together on court. It’s an absolute privilege to lead the team and I will be leaning on them as much as they are leaning on me.”

Head Coach, Liana Leota, has also confirmed that Elle Mcdonald, who also joined this season from Adelaide Thunderbirds, has been named as Vice-Captain and Ellie Bird and Michelle Magee will also be part of the leadership group.

Mcdonald, 28, who was born in Leigh before moving to Australia made her Roses debut this season and says she is honoured to be taking on the leadership role against Jones.

“It’s amazing to represent the Rhinos and play a part as Vice Captain. I am really looking forward to working with Nia and supporting her in the captaincy role, but also it’s about doing my absolute best to support the team in anyway that they need.”