Netball Unlocked Podcast

England Roses head coach Anna Stembridge joins Paul and Chloe to reflect on a whirlwind few months since taking over from Jess Thirlby.
12 years on from her dismissal as England coach after the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Anna discusses her journey since then, and the stability she believes the Roses team needs.
There’s plenty more to discuss, including the injury to Helen Housby, the upcoming Roses selection for Glasgow 2026 and the environment needed for success.
Anna also goes into detail on the series defeat to South Africa, and an intentionally designed tough schedule that included games against the Australian Kelpies.
And we wrap up with a look ahead to what will be success for this England squad, why the World Cup remains the ultimate ambition and plans to make Commonwealth medals the norm, rather than the anomaly.

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.

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.

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.