The return of elite netball at Leeds Rhinos is massive for Yorkshire and its fans – Brie Grierson

The 23-year-old is proud to be back playing back in her hometown and after time at both London Pulse and Loughborough Lightning she is returning to the scenes of where her netball career first started.

After working her way through the pathway of former Superleague side Yorkshire Jets she represented Leeds Beckett University alongside her studies before joining Team Northumbria in 2018.

While the green light for the start of the season is yet to be given, Superleague clubs are well underway with preparations for the season after the long break since last year’s league was suspended in March after just four rounds due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Even though matches this season will be played behind closed doors, young players and fans remain at the heart of the pathway Rhinos have created to reach the top.

“It is such a massive thing for Yorkshire,” Grierson said. “No matter where I’ve been, the fanbase isn’t the same as it is here, it is second to none. I can’t even describe it.

“It is really unfortunate that we won’t have fans at any of the games, we will massively miss out on that, but I just hope it gives netball in Yorkshire a pathway again.”

Grierson, who plays wing attack and goal attack is confident that Rhinos can put their stamp on the league this season with a place in the semi-finals their ultimate aim.

“We are all very competitive, so we all want to win, we all want to be in top four as a goal for the team,” she said.

“I think we will be happy if we have individually improved and been able to put it into a team scenario and make the top four – 100 per cent that is the goal.”

The Rhinos made a real statement of intent when they announced two big signings in highest capped England Roses player Jade Clarke, who has made the switch from Wasps and former Australian Diamond Madi Browne, who joins from Suncorp Super Netball side Collingwood Magpies.

Yet, Grierson made it clear that they all have a job to do on the court.

“We’ve got England’s best and Australia’s best, what more could you really want? I am really fortunate to be a part of the team with both of them in.

“But even though those two especially are the biggest signings, when we step on court and into training, we are all equals, we all do a job and we can’t idolise each other.

“We are team-mates and have to do our own job and not be afraid to tell each other.

“It is such a good group, we are so excited, I enjoy going to training to see my friends as well as my team-mates and we are just ready to put our stamp on the league.”