Netball Super League | Thunder name training partners

Manchester Thunder have completed their squad for the 2019 season signing five training partners on the eve of the new Vitality Netball Superleague campaign.

Altrincham-based defender Paige Kindred returns after a season at the now defunct Team Northumbria, offering versatility to the squad as she covers all defensive positions.

18-year-old Elia McCormick shores up the defence and looks a great prospect for the future after strong displays in preseason. The feisty defender is a pathway success story and has impressed head coach Karen Greig enough to give her a shot in the Superleague this season.

Oldham stalwart Maria McAndrew is back in the fold after a five year break from Superleague. The wing attack’s last campaign saw her take away a winners medal as she was part of the 2012 championship winning squad.

Joining her in the centre court is youngster Amelia Hall, who makes the step up from the youth ranks. Hall was also part of the U21 winning squad in 2018 and also offers versatility and cover at the goal attack position.

Ally Thomas is back for her second season and joins a strong shooting circle, she will be looking to impress Greig and push for more court time this time round.

Starting tomorrow (Saturday) at Super 10 in Birmingham, two of the training partners will be selected to join the 10 registered players for each Superleague game.

Tomorrow, Thunder’s season begins against Saracens Mavericks (7pm) in what will be a blockbuster year for netball with the Vitality Netball World Cup in Liverpool in July.

Thunder head coach Karen Greig is keen to get started: “We’re all looking forward to kicking off the season this Saturday against Mavericks.

“We have had a good and intense pre-season where we have looked at a number of combinations working within our Thunder way and all have a different dynamic that bring an exciting brand of netball to the court.

“I am happy with where we are at and the squad are raring to go.

“Mavericks have recruited well over the off season strengthening both defence and shooting ends.

“If their possible combinations are firing they’ll definitely prove to be a tough team to beat on Saturday.”

Manchester Thunder’s full 2019 squad is:

Core Squad: