In November 2022, it was confirmed that Wasps Netball had gone in to administration and would not be in a position to compete in the Netball Super League (NSL.) With Wasps Netball players out of contract, the NSL board activated an amendment to the NSL rules to reopen the player signing window to allow Wasps Netball players to be signed as training partners for other clubs, and to be able to take to court in to 2023 season as replacement players, if and when the opportunities are presented.
Thirty-one year old Josie Huckle, who has played for Wasps Netball since the netball franchise was founded back in 2016, and was made captain for the 2022 season, was one of the players affected. Huckle, who can play in Goal Defence and Goal Keeper positions, has played every game of the 2022 season for Wasps.
Huckle’s impressive stature on court has been noticed by current 2022 Netball Super League champions Manchester Thunder, who have now signed Huckle as a training partner. She will be joining ex-teammate Iona Christian, who signed for Manchester Thunder from Wasps for the 2023 season.
Karen Greig, Manchester Thunder Head Coach, said, “I’m really happy to have secured Josie as a training partner (TP) for the season. We were all devastated for the Wasps players when the franchise folded, so the fact we are able to sign Josie with the support of North West Netball is fantastic. She is a seasoned NSL player and will bring even more experience into our defence end. As we have shown in recent seasons, our TPs are vital to our success as a franchise and having not worked with Josie before I’m really looking forward to having her in our environment.”
Huckle said, “I’m so grateful to Thunder for the opportunity to get back in to an elite, high performance environment, and train with some of the best that there are in our league. I can’t thank the [England Netball] North West region enough for their support in making this opportunity happen, and I can’t wait to meet you guys [Manchester Thunder fans] at Belle Vue.”
A special mention goes out to England Netball North West, who have helped support the travel expenses for Huckle, and without this the signing would not have been possible.
Manchester Thunder will return to their home court for a pre-season friendly on Saturday 28th January at Wright Robinson College, where they take on a mixed team of Team Bath and Knights Men’s. Tickets are available now at www.manchesterthunder.co.uk/tickets.
