{"id":49881,"date":"2021-02-12T12:23:22","date_gmt":"2021-02-12T12:23:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=49881"},"modified":"2021-02-12T12:23:24","modified_gmt":"2021-02-12T12:23:24","slug":"celtic-dragons-ready-for-an-unpredictable-netball-superleague-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2021\/02\/12\/celtic-dragons-ready-for-an-unpredictable-netball-superleague-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Celtic Dragons ready for an \u2018unpredictable\u2019 Netball Superleague season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Cardiff-based side face newcomers Leeds Rhinos in their opening match<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>CELTIC Dragons\u2019 Leila Thomas declared she is \u201chungrier and more determined than ever\u201d ahead of their season opener against the Leeds Rhinos tonight (Friday).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thomas, the 19-times capped Welsh international, has re-joined the side after recently graduating from Cardiff University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She said: \u201cI\u2019m very grateful and extremely excited to be returning to Dragons, after making the difficult decision to step away last season to complete my biochemistry degree at Cardiff University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\" style=\"border-color:#cf2e2e\"><blockquote><p>\u201cAfter having a quieter season with netball, I\u2019m definitely feeling hungrier and more determined than ever to get back out on court\u201d.<\/p><cite>Leila Thomas, Celtic Dragons defender<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49900\" width=\"-381\" height=\"-572\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-770x1155.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-293x440.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-1400x2100.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49900\" width=\"-381\" height=\"-572\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-770x1155.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-293x440.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_-1400x2100.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/AQ5I5052-_2_-_1_.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>Leila Thomas &#8211; 2019 European Netball Championship <\/strong>(C) Sporting Wales<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The defender last featured for the Dragons at the 2019 British All-Stars Fast5 competition, helping them to reach the semi-finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2021 will be the 22-year-old&#8217;s fourth season in the Superleague.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Returning after an absence was always going to be difficult, but with the pandemic limiting training opportunities, it might have proved to be an impossible task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Thomas believes that she has developed into a better player.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve always loved fitness in general, so I\u2019ve managed to keep my fitness levels up over the Covid period with lots of running work and HIIT (high-intensity interval training) sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve also really focused on building my strength and improving my nutrition, which has actually allowed me to educate myself more about fuelling my performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFrom this, I actually think this period has somewhat moulded me into a stronger and more resilient athlete both physically and mentally,\u201d added Thomas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49896\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49896\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Squad-circle-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>London Pulse v Celtic Dragons (2019)<\/strong> (C) Marc Morris Photography &#8211; Sporting Wales<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After two back-to-back seasons at the bottom of the league, the only Welsh side have been going from strength to strength, with a seventh-placed finish in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Dragons are looking to build on this growth, focusing on developing a different style of netball and becoming more versatile opponents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thomas revealed: \u201cWe\u2019ve been working hard during pre-season to solidify connections in our team, to ensure that we\u2019re focussed on our own performance on court. We\u2019ve also had the chance to play a few pre-season fixtures, which has allowed us to experiment and build on our units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re very lucky to have a range of players able to play across a variety of positions which can help us adapt and adjust our game massively.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49895\" width=\"-326\" height=\"-217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49895\" width=\"-326\" height=\"-217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/02\/Celtic-Dragons-Army-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Fans at Celtic Dragons v Wasps Netball (2019) (C) Steve Pope &#8211; Sporting Wales<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike previous seasons, all matches will be played in two venues \u2013 Studio 001 in Wakefield and the Copperbox Arena in London. Strict Covid-19 restrictions mean that players and staff will have regular testing and social distancing will be enforced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, the Dragons\u2019 &#8220;green army&#8221; will be absent, with all matches being played without spectators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the lack of a crowd, Thomas says she is very grateful for the \u201cvery supportive and encouraging\u201d team environment for keeping up morale during the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These will be the first domestic matches since mid-March, after the 2020 Vitality Superleague season was cancelled and the fixtures declared void.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2021 season sees some major changes to the league set-up, with quarters being shortened from 15 to 12 minutes and draws now being permitted with the removal of extra time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teams will also have to manage consecutive rounds, with the Celtic Dragons facing Team Bath tomorrow in their second fixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With many sports unable to return, the Dragons\u2019 recognise the fortunate position all 10 Superleague squads are in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe are also very grateful and privileged to be playing sport at the moment and with every match being aired on Sky and\/or Youtube, we\u2019re determined to put a good performance on court for our fans supporting from home,\u201d said Thomas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Celtic Dragons will get the season underway with their opening fixture against unfamiliar foes, the Leeds Rhinos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Rhinos will make their debut in the Superleague tonight, but Thomas trusts her side to be ready for any surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s great that Leeds Rhinos are in the Superleague this season as it offers a different style of competition,\u201d said Thomas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe haven\u2019t seen a lot of Leeds Rhinos and so we are excited to take on the challenge on Friday as we\u2019re also a pretty new-look side so it could prove a good battle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere has also been a lot of fluidity &amp; exchanges between teams this season which could make for an unpredictable season in terms of the results table.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Celtic Dragons v Leeds Rhinos starts tonight at 5.15pm GMT, live on Sky Sports and Sky Sports\u2019 YouTube channel.<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Team Bath v Celtic Dragons starts Saturday, February 14 at 4pm GMT.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CELTIC Dragons\u2019 Leila Thomas declared she is \u201chungrier and more determined than ever\u201d ahead of their season opener against the Leeds Rhinos tonight.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":554,"featured_media":49885,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[265,1031,7049,1033,1039,6365],"coauthors":[6719],"class_list":["post-49881","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sport","tag-cardiff-university","tag-celtic-dragons","tag-leila-thomas","tag-netball","tag-vitality-superleague","tag-welsh-netball"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - 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