Rising star gets Rhinos promotion

Amy steps up to the Superleague squad following Elmeré’s ongoing recovery.

Young goal-shooting star Amy Braithwaite, who made her Netball Super League debut in this year’s season opener against London Pulse, has been promoted to the Rhinos squad for the remainder of the season.

Braithwaite comes into the 12 player squad following the announcement that Elmeré van der Berg was unable to join this season. The 20-year-old, who is part of the Rhinos Pathway, is expected to be involved in this Saturday’s game against Strathclyde Sirens.

Braithwaite said: “I’m really honoured to be part of the team and I can’t wait for the rest of the season. It’s been good to train with the first team and the environment has been amazing and the girls have been supportive and pushed me hard. Getting my debut this year against Pulse was a dream come true.

“I’m proud to be the first player making the step up from the Rhinos Pathway and I am sure I will be the first of many. Francine Hall has coached me for many years now in the Pathway and has helped me so much. All the Pathway coaches have been amazing and I think I have progressed a lot since I joined and they have always pushed me to go for opportunities like this.”

Braithwaite can play at Goal Attack or Goal Shooter and joined the Rhinos Pathway in 2020. The Derby born player was previously part of the Loughborough Academy and she has played for Leeds Athletic in Premiership Division

Franchise Director Dan Busfield added: “Having made the decision that Elmeré will not join us, this has opened up a position in our squad and allowed us to give Amy Braithwaite the opportunity to step up to the Super League side. Amy is part of our Under-21s and first played for us in 2021 Fast5 competition. She has regularly trained with the first team since then and has impressed the coaching staff in that time.

“Amy is the first player to come through our Pathway to make her Super League debut, which is something we are all proud of and is testament to the hard work of the coaching staff and Amy. I am delighted she has been rewarded with a Super League contract and look forward to seeing her represent the Rhinos.”