Reinga Bloxham, our very own head coach, was just named the 2026 NSL Coach of the Season, and it is a well-deserved honor. But even with that huge achievement, the LexisNexis Dragons aren’t sitting still. They are completely shaking things up, changing almost a third of the squad as they gun for an even better finish than fifth place in the Netball Super League. This isn’t just a tweak, it is a statement.
Bloxham’s Big Moves: New Talent Arrives
We are bringing in some serious firepower. Bloxham secured two New Zealanders, Saviour Tui and Holly Mather, plus former England Under-21 captain Phoebe Maslen. Tui is a goal shooter with international experience for both New Zealand and Samoa, signing from ANZ Premiership side Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic. This 24-year-old even played under Bloxham at Southern Steel, so the coach knows exactly what she’s getting. Tui is here to win, saying, “Everything I have heard about this club and this environment made it an easy decision. I am here to compete, to contribute and to help take this team as far as it can go.” That is the kind of drive we need!
Mather, a 25-year-old mid-courter, is also a huge get. She won the ANZ Premiership in her debut season with Mainland Tactix in 2025 and helped them to the Elimination Final this year. She shares our passion for netball, stating, “They embrace the same passion for netball as me. I can’t wait to work hard, play hard with this squad.” And Maslen, joining from NIC Leeds Rhinos, brings NSL experience from Birmingham Panthers and Team Bath. She is “so excited to be a Dragon for the 2027 season” and looking forward to the challenge. These are not just new bodies; they are top-tier competitors replacing solid players like Phillipa Yarranton (retiring), Khanyisa Chawane (departed after three seasons), and Ellen Withington.
Building on a Strong Foundation, Aiming for the Top
Let’s be real, going from bottom of the NSL in 2025 to finishing fifth in 2026, just three points shy of the play-offs, was massive. It was our best finish since 2014, and that momentum is real. Bloxham is stoked, saying, “I am really looking forward to what this 2027 squad can do this season.” She has been “building our performance culture the past two seasons” and is “pleased with the foundation we have to launch ourselves into the season.”
Seven players are staying from that encouraging 2026 campaign, which saw us win six of our 14 games, with three heartbreaking one-goal defeats. Our core is strong, led by Welsh Feathers captain Bethan Dyke, who is back for her third season. We also have four other Wales internationals returning: Leah Middleton, Alex Johnson, Victoria Booth, and last season’s top goalscorer, Georgia Rowe. Bloxham knew securing this core was key, allowing her to “add a few extra players who will add to our talent pool. They will bring a new energy, style and flare to our game.”
This roster is loaded, the coach is a proven winner, and the hunger is palpable. The 2027 season is going to be electric. Get ready to see this squad fly.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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