Afleveringen
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Frankie Wells joins Paul to look back on Round 14, as the 2026 regular season in the NSL came to its conclusion.
As well as rounding up the news - including Helen Housby being ruled out of the Commonwealth Games- we catch up with Frankie on how she has taken to life as a Sky Sports commentator, her role in county and school netball and get some big picture thoughts on shooting and the NSL after two seasons of 2.0.
We dive headfirst into the drama of Thunder v Lightning, and a win for Thunder that sees them take first place. Is Karen Greig’s yellow machine unstoppable? And are injuries taking their toll on Lightning?
We reflect on a win for Pulse in Nottingham that sees them pinch second spot in the table as Frankie assesses the importance of Alicia Scholes to the defending champions and how Forest navigate their shooting circle conundrum.
With Dragons beating Mavs to secure their best finish in a decade and Panthers getting the better of Rhinos to finish seventh, we review all four teams and take an early look at what might be on the cards for 2027.
And we preview two thrilling semi-finals as Thunder and Pulse meet in Manchester for the right to go straight through to the Grand Final, and Lightning host their bogey team Forest to keep their season alive. -
The countdown to the Commonwealth Games is on as Paul and Chloe drop their instant reaction to the long-awaited news confirming a new-look England Roses squad.
Ahead of an international cycle that features the Commonwealth Games and the Netball World Cup, the eagerly anticipated announcement has provided plenty of talking points and plenty of excitement.
We dissect what it means to see Jayda Pechová, Gracie Smith and Izzi Phillips named in the full-time programme and how all three areas of the court stack up.
Ella Clark and Alice Harvey also return, but does that mean questions elsewhere? While there are names to miss out, a realigned pathway system offers a glimpse into the future.
The introduction of a slimline Roses 'A' squad offers clues at how progress through the system may work, while we also weigh up what a brand new NXT Roses programme means for England's brightest prospects.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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It’s been a busy week at Netball Unlocked, but there is no letting up as the Netball Super League standings start to take shape.
Joining Chloe, in Paul’s absence, is a friend of the show, Lucy Goodman, and her famed stat spreadsheet.
Discussion begins with a packed news agenda. From the retirement announcement of Beth Durant, to England squad announcement news, to Jamie Lee-Price’s reflection on the health of the game off the court - there’s plenty to chew on.
Turning to the action, Lucy and Chloe hit the Round 13 games one by one.
What now for Nottingham Forest after being dismantled once again by AO Manchester Thunder?
Are Loughborough Lightning hitting their straps again following a comprehensive victory over NIC Leeds Rhinos?
Does a third extra time victory for London Pulse over LexisNexis Dragons bode well for the defending champions, or should they be worried?
Can Birmingham Panthers get back-to-back wins after edging an injury-stricken London Mavericks?
A pause in play allows Chloe to ask Lucy for her Commonwealth Games squad with the Roses programme announcement imminent, but it isn’t long before they turn back to the NSL for the Round 14 preview.
With the top three placings and the wooden spoon on the line, Chloe and Lucy consider how the final regular season matches might unfold.
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In a podcast first, we welcome back our first Big Interview guest, Adelaide Thunderbird Elmeré van der Berg, for a catch-up chat!
Since departing the Netball Super League, the South African star has joined the ranks of the Southern Australian franchise and has taken Suncorp Super Netball by storm.
From training against Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, to Norma Plummer’s choice emojis, the 24-year-old lifts the lid on life Down Under and the form she has managed to find in a club she loves.
Enjoy.
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As Nottingham Forest lock in the final place in the top four, Chloe and Paul review the latest round of Netball Super League action.
Ahead of a big Roses 26-27 programme announcement, there's an international flavour to things as we pick a Roses squad for the Commonwealth Games - and hear from our two most recent Unlocked extended interview guests, Niamh McCall and Jayda Pechova.
In the NSL, Forest's win over Lighting throws the race for the top three places into chaos with just a couple of rounds remaining.
We debate a brilliant display from Forest and ask how damaging might defeat for Lightning be as Thunder roll on with a big win over Rhinos.
Pulse complete a double over a Mavericks team for whom injury bites again, and Dragons thump Panthers to keep on winning - but ultimately fall short in their top four chase.
We round things off by previewing Round 13, the penultimate round of the regular season, as Forest host Thunder, Lightning welcome Rhinos and Pulse prepare for the visit of Dragons in games that could have huge placing implications.
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For the latest in our line of big interviews (recorded just before the start of Round 12!) Chloe is joined by Scottish Thistle and LexisNexis Risk Solutions Dragons’ Niamh McCall.
Coined the ‘signing of the season’ for the impact she has had on the Wales-based franchise, McCall lifts the lid on her netball journey to now.
From shooting basketball hoops to making her international debut at 16 years old, netball has played a pivotal role in McCall’s early years, but it has also challenged her as she’s risen through its ranks.
McCall opens up on the reality of uprooting her life in Scotland after the Strathclyde Sirens folded at the advent of Netball Super League 2.0, and waiting for her chance to shine with the super shot.
She reflects on Scotland’s growing trajectory following the arrival of Kath Tetley and where their ambitions sit ahead of a home Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The conversation also pivots to the people who are supporting McCall: from her mum and brother to her Welsh teammates, who have embraced despite their great netball rivalry.
Enjoy. -
We’re back with our Big Interview series, and we are delighted to be joined in an extended conversation by Jayda Pechová.
In the midst of a second stunning season at Nottingham Forest, the defender opens up on the journey that has shaped her into the athlete she is today.
From tough early beginnings, forged in the unforgiving world of artistic gymnastics, to a rapid rise through the London Pulse pathway, Pechová shares the highs, the lows and the ‘best foot forward’ mentality that has helped her through.
We ask her about the fall of Team Bath and her initial omission from the Netball World Youth Cup squad, as well as the special relationships she has with teammates Tash Pavelin and Rolene Streutker.
With evolving circumstances potentially demanding the 21-year-old Pechová to step up for her country, we discuss her future ambitions and where she hopes netball will take her one day.
Enjoy.
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Chloe and Paul take us through a monumental weekend in the Netball Super League, with just one place in the playoffs now up for grabs.
We round up the news, ask whether the bonus point really makes a difference, and consider the implications of Helen Housby's ongoing back injury.
Manchester Thunder became the third team to secure a top four position. Chloe breaks down how they were able to get the better of London Pulse in defence and attack for a big win.
Forest tightened their grip on fourth place for now, with a win over Mavericks that leaves no margin for error for Tamsin Greenway and her squad.
It is now Dragons who are closest to Forest, a narrow win against an improving Leeds Rhinos enough to move the Welsh side up into fifth spot.
And Lightning returned to winning ways with a comfortable win over Panthers, but are injury worries mounting for the league leaders?
We turn our attention to Round 12, with a full-on preview of a busy derby weekend that starts with Thunder looking to keep their momentum going with a trip to Rhinos.
Forest face a huge final three games against the league's current top three, and it starts away to Loughborough Lightning - where even a losing bonus point might be enough.
Dragons need to keep winning, and they chase a third successive win when they travel to Coventry to face Panthers on Saturday.
And the round finishes up at the iconic OVO Arena at Wembley, where Pulse and Mavericks meet in a must-win London derby.
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Paul and Chloe are joined by the returning Ella Smith - formerly Powell-Davies - to talk all things netball.
We get the lowdown on what Ella has been up to since she last joined the show, including news of a very expensive return to netball.
There's plenty to chew over in the week's news, with Emma Thacker the latest injury and Chloe dives in to what the numbers might tell us about the season so far.
It's a meaty review of Round 10, with Pulse and Lightning playing out another classic at the Copper Box with a win for Pulse closing the gap at the top of the table, but only after extra time.
Thunder cash in as well to hammer Panthers and go within three of the leaders - but we ask what is happening at Panthers?
On a thrilling weekend, we discuss whether Dragons win over Forest really does open the door in the top four race as Mavericks also edge a nail-biter, against Rhinos.
Finally we preview another massive weekend as the double header in Liverpool plays host to Thunder against Pulse and a top four chasing Dragons against Rhinos. Lightning take on Panthers to open the weekend and fourth placed Forest take on fifth placed Mavs in what could prove to be the most decisive game of the season.
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After a stint away, Chloe is back in time to chat through an exciting Round 9 of Netball Super League action as table leaders Loughborough Lightning clinched a Top 4 spot.
In the news section, Paul and Chloe begin with a spirited discussion about the rise of Next Gen athletes across the league, as injuries continue to dominate.
They also reflect on the AMEX announcement and South Africa's extended international squad, with the Commonwealth Games looming.
In the review segment, Chloe and Paul look back on the round where the top four teams all notched wins, including Nottingham Forest, who conceded a bonus point in their victory over NIC Leeds Rhinos.
Attention then turns to Round 10, where a 'Battle Royale' awaits, as London Pulse take on Loughborough Lightning, with a possible Top 4 berth on the line should the reigning champions be victorious.
A must-win game for LexisNexis Dragons against Forest also dominates the discussion, with just eight points separating Nottingham and last year's semi-finalists, London Mavericks.
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With Chloe taking a well deserved break there is plenty to get through so Paul has not one but two guests.
London Pulse NextGen captain Phoebe Maslen joins the podcast to take us inside life in the NextGen League and her decision to join Pulse and move to London.
As well as her season so far Phoebe talks about her England ambitions, her netball journey that already features Wasps, Team Bath and Pulse.
Our second guest is ABC Sports Journalist Brittany Carter who has all the drama from Australia - including the very latest on a brand new TV deal, and what it means for Super Netball expansion.
There is plenty to get through on the SSN season so far, the push for Olympic inclusion, the Commonwealth Games race for gold and whether it might be time to see more Aussies in the NSL.
As well as all that Phoebe helps us round up Round 8 in the Super League with wins for each of the top four as Lightning, Pulse, Thunder and Forest strengthen their grip on a play off place.
And we finish by looking ahead to the next round of action as Forest travel to Rhinos, Panthers host Pulse, Thunder and Mavericks meet in Manchester and Dragons look to stop Lightning's perfect season. -
We've reached the halfway point of the Netball Super League season, so Paul and Chloe liven up the latest episode with a Team of the Season...so far.
We debate the positions where there is plenty of competition for places, the positions where decisions are not so clean cut, and come up with the seven that have impressed us most so far.
For good measure, Chloe has done the sums and found out who has the most team of the week nominations, and we will invite you - the listeners - to choose your team from our shortlist on socials this week!
We also review Round 7 as Pulse get the better of Mavericks in the London derby with the thoughts of Jemma Donoghue and Sam Bird. Thunder pick off Rhinos, Lightning stay perfect with a win over Forest, and Panthers beat Dragons in a thriller for their first win of the season.
We zero in on the impact injuries are having on the NSL squads so far this season, consider the news of an incorrect score in the Lightning-Forest game and weigh up some England options emerging so far this season.
All that plus a look ahead to Round 8, as Panthers host Forest, Mavericks travel to Lightning, Dragons head to Manchester to play Thunder and Pulse welcome Rhinos to the Copper Box.
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After a few months of chasing and aligning schedules, Paul and Chloe are joined by Cat Tuivaiti for the latest Unlocked extended interview.
After a lifetime in the sport, there is plenty to discuss in an hour-long conversation that takes in Cat's netball journey, the state of the game across the globe right now - and plenty more besides.
We kick off with how Cat chose netball - over volleyball, no less - and how the early years and experiences in the pathways shaped not only her playing career but the person she is.
Having played for Samoa, New Zealand and Tonga - and played in the ANZ, SSN and NSL - there is arguably no one better placed for a health check on netball's current landscape.
We ask...Is SSN doing what it needs as the No 1 league in the sport? How can the NSL and ANZ position themselves to move forward?
We touch on the international game, and a tumultuous few months for England and New Zealand.
Why her role with Fox Netball is helping Cat get under the skin of the game before she takes the leap into coaching and the incredible support from her husband - and volleyball foe - Jimmy, that has allowed her live an incredible life.
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Round six of the Netball Super League has been and gone, leaving Chloe and special guest Gabby Marshall plenty to discuss.
In a bumper episode, the conversation begins with a focus on Gabby and her sudden retirement from netball following her mild traumatic brain injury last season.
She opens up on the extent of her symptoms, why, in her own way, she is grateful for what happened and the work she is now doing with the Netball Players’ Association to help future athletes.
Talk then turns to the round six action with Chloe getting out her tactics board to illustrate how league leaders Loughborough Lightning were able to top AO Manchester Thunder. We hear from Thunder head coach Karen Greig and Lightning’s co-captain Beth Durant in exclusive post-match interviews.
We also get insights from Philippa Yarranton as Gabby and Chloe break down LexisNexis Dragons’ second win of the season over Nottingham Forest, with a shoutout to their game-changing moving circle, before moving on to discuss London Mavericks and London Pulse’s respective victories over NIC Leeds Rhinos and Birmingham Panthers.
With that all done, Chloe and Gabby turn to Round 7, which will mark the midway point of the season, with some juicy matchups in wait. There will be a London derby at the Copper Box as well as a Battle of the Roses up in Manchester.
Settle down with your leftover Easter chocolate for this one.
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Another round of Netball Super League action is in the books, and Sky Sports commentator Lucy Goodman joins Chloe Merrell and Paul Prenderville to review the major talking points.
Ahead of their Round 6 showdown, Loughborough Lightning stay perfect with a win over Birmingham Panthers, and AO Manchester Thunder find their best performance of the season to sink Nottingham Forest.
Champions London Pulse prove too strong for NIC Leeds Rhinos, while London Mavericks get the better of an arm wrestle against LexisNexis Dragons in Cardiff.
There’s the usual round-up of netball headlines, as Chloe dives in on the latest round of SSN and an immediate entry into the ‘top eight netball games of all time’, Lucy offers her thoughts on the England Roses coaching fall-out, and there’s a debate over expansion in Australia and what it means for the global game.
As ever, we round off the week with our preview and look ahead to Round 6, where all eight teams are in action on a loaded Saturday.
Forest and Dragons meet at the Motorpoint Arena in the second double header of the NSL season, which also features first against second as Lightning face Thunder.
Pulse vs Panthers, and Mavericks hosting Rhinos, brings the curtain down on a bumper offering from the Unlocked gang.
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Round 4 in the Netball Super League brought us our first extra time game of the season, and left only one team unbeaten - and one team still chasing a win.
Chloe and Paul get stuck into the talking points from the week, as the dust settles on the coaching changes for England Netball and injuries begin to bite in the NSL.
Chloe picks out the major talking points from the week in Australia as SSN delivers more early drama.
Back in the UK, LexisNexis Dragons picked off a win over Rhinos - can the Welsh outfit kick and challenge for the top 4, and how do Rhinos stop the slide?
In Birmingham, a third different home venue brought no luck for Panthers, who are winless after a defeat to a full-strength Manchester Thunder, starting to showcase what they are all about.
Lightning beat Mavericks to remain the NSL’s only perfect record with four wins from four - but are they signs of Mavs clicking into gear?
And in the final game of the round, we try to make sense of Pulse’s win over Forest, and the chaos that unfolded before extra time in the Copper Box.
All that plus a look ahead to Round 5 as Pulse head to Rhinos, Dragons host Mavericks, Thunder meet Forest in Manchester, and top meet bottom as Lightning and Panthers go head to head.
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In the latest episode of Netball Unlocked, Paul and Chloe deep dive into the weekend’s action from Round 3 of the Super League.
A double-header, including an NSL 2025 Grand Final rematch, presents plenty of talking points, with Chloe getting her tactics board to run the rule over Lightning’s sharp defence.
Paul and Chloe then turn to analyse the other three games, highlighting Thunder’s rise, Mavericks’ improved performances, and the injury to Jaz Brown that ultimately turned the tide against Leeds Rhinos.
With reflections shared, Paul and Chloe then turn to preview Round 4, with just the one game on Friday before back-to-back matches on Sunday evening.
Pulse v Nottingham tops the billing, with Lightning v Mavericks promising to be a wing attack battle for the ages. -
It’s a seismic day for England Netball as Jess Thirlby steps down as the Roses head coach after more than six years in the role.
There is plenty for Paul and Chloe to discuss in a first ever emergency episode of the pod, including lots of thoughts on what’s to come and what it means as Anna Stembridge assumes the head coach position.Just four months away from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, it leaves England and their players in a strange position.There’s time for a quick fire assessment of where the Roses are in their cycle, with the World Cup also on the agenda, and what might be next as England’s statement outlines a recruitment process to begin after the Commonwealth Games.
Plenty to get stuck into, including who could be the long term replacement? -
With Paul away, Chloe is joined by Commonwealth Games gold medallist and two-time NSL winner Jodie Gibson to assess a week of fireworks on and off the court in Round 2 of the Netball Super League 2026.
The episode begins by catching up with Jodie and getting a special look behind her retirement decision, before turning to the news and major talking points of the round.
Jodie and Chloe consider the themes of physicality, umpiring, accountability and the use of social media as they reflect on the reaction surrounding a play by Alicia Scholes in the Pulse v Dragons game, the subsequent online back-and-forth and the official league statement that followed.
All Round 2 matches are up for discussion, with Jodie sharing her unique insights and takes on each game.
Chloe then leads the preview of the Round 3 games, inviting Jodie to share her key match-ups and predictions.
Enjoy!
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Netball royalty Norma Plummer AM joins Paul and Chloe for a very special international netball episode.
In a wide-ranging interview, the multiple World Cup-winning coach and player reflects on some of the international game’s big themes and questions.
Should netball be in the Olympics? Can South Africa go the distance in a World Cup or Commonwealth Games? Will New Zealand bounce back from its tumultuous international window? What are some of the issues facing England?
A candid “Plum” covers it all and more with some special anecdotes from her legendary career.
Norma Plummer AM:
Netball World Championships 1975 winnerAustralian Diamond 1972-1981Head Coach of Australia - 2003-2011West Coast Fever coach - 2012-2014Head Coach of South Africa - 2015-2019, 2022-2023Follow us:
@NetballUnlocked - Instagram, X
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