Alright, netball fans! The 2025 Netball Super League kicked off with a bang, and I’m here to break down the Leeds Rhinos vs. Birmingham Panthers clash. It was a proper battle, with Rhinos edging it 71-63 in a game that had me glued to the action. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what went down at Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield.
Defensive Fireworks Set the Tone
Both teams came out swinging, and the defensive intensity was unreal. Players were throwing themselves into every play—interceptions, blocks, you name it. It was chaos in the best way possible. Leeds Rhinos really turned it up in the second quarter with some slick footwork and tight movement. They were like a wall, shutting down Panthers’ attacks and flipping the momentum after being down 38-36 at halftime. That kind of grit is what makes these season openers so spicy.
Gabby Marshall and Geva Mentor’s Spicy Moment
One bit that had me raising an eyebrow was the clash between Gabby Marshall and Geva Mentor. Marshall was electric, battling hard in the thick of it, when Mentor got pinged for a late contact—earning herself a suspension. Now, here’s the odd part: Marshall didn’t come off for a head injury check, which is usually standard with the NSL’s new safety rules. Those rules are all about protecting players, especially around head knocks, but Marshall stayed on court. Not sure if it was a call to keep the game flowing or what, but it definitely caught my attention.
Joyce Mvula Steals the Show with Super Shots
Let’s talk about Joyce Mvula—she was on fire! Named player of the match, she was sinking super shots like it was no big deal (Quick refresher: the 2025 NSL rules let shooters score double points from a specific area in the circle during the last five minutes of each quarter). Mvula’s range has come on leaps and bounds; she’s not just sticking to close shots anymore but stepping out and nailing those long ones too. Her scoring spree helped Rhinos pull ahead, and it was a joy to watch her confidence on the court.
A Physical Battle to the End
The whole game had this raw, physical edge. Rhinos leaned on their super shots to claw back after halftime, while Panthers kept scrapping, nearly grabbing a bonus point—that’s a new rule where teams can snag a point if they lose by five goals or less. It stayed close enough to keep you guessing, which is exactly what you want from an opener. Both sides showed they’re here to compete, and it’s setting up a cracking season.
What’s Next for Rhinos and Panthers?
Leeds Rhinos head to the Brentwood Centre on March 23rd to face the London Mavericks, who also grabbed a win in their opener against Cardiff Dragons. Meanwhile, Panthers will look to bounce back when they take on Manchester Thunder on March 21st. It’s early days, but both teams have laid down a marker for what’s to come in NSL 2025.
Got thoughts on the game? Who caught your eye? Let me know in the comments—I’m all ears for what you made of it! This season’s already shaping up to be a belter.