Manchester Thunder has snapped up England Futures star Paige Reed from local rivals Leeds Rhinos. The 26-year-old makes the surprise move over the Pennines from the roses rivals. A regular starter for the Yorkshire-based team, Paige appeared in all 18 games for Rhinos, scoring 310 goals.
Paige is the third shooter to be announced for Thunder the 2024 season, joining Lois Pearson and Anya Williams in the shooting circle, creating a talented blend of young, dynamic players.
Hailing from Gloucester, Paige started her Netball Super League career at Team Bath before moving for a new opportunity at Severn Stars in 2019. Establishing herself at the midlands-based club she was head-hunted by Leeds Rhinos and followed former Star coach Liana Leota there.
The Future Roses star said of the surprise move to Thunder, “I’ve heard a lot about Thunder being a very close-knit team, and they always seem really together with a family environment. So, I’m really looking forward to just being a part of it and getting to know everyone properly and play on court with everyone.”
“I like to work with different styles of play, and I like to think I’m quite adaptable so I’m really looking forward to getting involved with the Thunder style of play and the clinical style and see where and how I can add my style to the environment.”
“I will hopefully bring a bit if flair by trying change up the timings, a bit of ‘no looks’, a bit of ‘fakes’ and I’d say that’s my style and hopefully it all comes together.”
Head Coach, Karen Greig commented, “I’m delighted to have signed Paige for the 2024 season, she’s a player I have admired for a number of seasons. I think she will be a great fit for Thunder, as she is a skilful, hard-working athlete who isn’t afraid to go to the post from anywhere and her ability to be able to play across GA and GS will be invaluable for us.”
“I have heard great things about her as an athlete off court too, which is key for us when signing new players. I am certain she will add a lot to the Manchester Thunder environment, and I can’t wait to get started working with her.”
Paige added,” I haven’t been coached by them [Karen, Gabs Towell and Laura Malcolm] before so I think it will be a really good opportunity to continue to grow and adapt under their tutelage.”
Paige has been a part of the Roses Futures programme since 2019 and has been selected for the 2023- 2024 season. She has also played in the FAST5 Netball World Series with the Vitality Roses in 2022 gaining invaluable experience in New Zealand.
On top of her netball career, earlier this year, Paige was appointed as Head of Performance Netball at the University of Nottingham where she coaches and leads the Performance Netball programme. She said, “I’ve always loved coaching, I always want to be involved in netball in some capacity so for me coaching was that extra bit that I could be.”
Paige concluded, “I’m really looking forward to the drums banging for me, rather than against me so I’m really glad to be a part of it. I’ve always known Thunder to have a really loud following so I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.”
