Leeds Rhinos Netball Turn to Jamaican Star Gordon to Fill Mvulu Void

LEEDS, England – Leeds Rhinos Netball have moved swiftly to secure Jamaican international shooter Simone Gordon as the replacement for departing Malawi star Joyce Mvulu-Chimwenje, with head coach Lauren Palmer insisting the late change will not derail their top-four ambitions.

The Rhinos enjoyed one of their most settled pre-seasons in recent memory until January, when Mvulu-Chimwenje announced she was pregnant and would be leaving the club. The Malawian has been Leeds’ leading scorer for the past two seasons.

Rather than rush into a panic signing, Palmer and her recruitment team conducted a thorough search before landing the 27-year-old 6ft 5in Gordon, who they believe is the ideal like-for-like replacement.

“It was a huge blow,” admitted Palmer, now in her second year at the helm. “The way we approached recruiting a replacement was we wanted someone as similar to Joyce as we could find. We spent a whole pre-season getting the ball to Joyce, so we were looking at that tall, holding, strong-shooter under the post, and Simone is definitely in that category.

“Simone is coming in, she’s on her way back to Jamaica, having played in the test series in Australia. She’s a 6ft 5in Jamaican shooter, which we can’t really ignore.”

Visa complications mean Gordon is unlikely to feature in next Saturday’s season-opening Netball Super Cup at Sheffield Arena. However, the towering shooter could be available for the Rhinos’ home opener against Loughborough Lightning on Friday, March 6, and may even arrive in time for the first league fixture at Birmingham Panthers on February 28.

Gordon, who will experience the Netball Super League for the first time, said she is relishing the opportunity.

“I am extremely excited to be joining NIC Leeds Rhinos Netball and the chance to compete in the Netball Super League for the first time.

“I can’t wait to join up with the rest of the team in the UK and to experience a new competition. I am ready to learn from the coaches and develop my game in a new environment, and I’m looking forward to getting started.”