Catching Up with Jess Thirlby

Catching Up with Jess Thirlby

Continuing our countdown to the Netball tournament at the Commonwealth Games, Paul catches up with former England Roses head coach Jess Thirlby, who will be covering the tournament for TNT Sports. Speaking to us for the first time since the difficult decision to step away from her role with the England team just a few months ahead of the Games, Jess speaks about her passion for coaching and why she will never be walking away from the sport. We also get into why adversity can be a strength for this England team, what they’ll be missing in Sharni Layton and why a toughest ever group stage can be a good thing for the Roses. With Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa also looking to medal, and holders Australia as formidable as ever, we also get a health check on the state of the international game from Jess after seven years in charge of the Roses.

What is going on with netball in New Zealand? Nathan Limm explains

As the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games draw ever closer, there are plenty of questions swirling around netball, but perhaps none more so than in New Zealand. From the shock standing of Dame Noeline Taurua last year to the ongoing silence around the future of ANZ, the sport is currently standing on shaky ground with its future uncertain. To help understand the bigger picture, and the actors within it, Chloe is joined by New Zealand Herald sports journalist and Silver Ferns reporter Nathan Limm for an extended conversation. Drawing on his years following the sport, and speaking to those within it, Nathan paints a picture of confusion and uncertainty as players, staff and fans wait to hear what’s next for the ANZ - New Zealand domestic league.  Where will the money come from? Have the Silver Ferns in SSN done irreparable damage? Could the Northern Mystics compete across the Tasman? All of that is discussed. Plus, Nathan relives the Noeline Taurua saga, shares what exactly happened and why it became the biggest news story in the country.  With so much negative news around netball in New Zealand, the conversation then turns to netball’s upcoming major in Glasgow and how New Zealand might fare. Nathan shares his confidence in the Ferns and why we should all be looking out for Catherine Hall and Carys Stythe.  Enjoy.

Thunder squad confirmed, who's next? Three Roses interviews and Unlocked in Glasgow!

It's time to talk signings and franchise fine-tuning as both Nottingham Forest and the champions AO Manchester Thunder name their squads for 2027. Paul and Chloe ask whether Thunder have got better? And then debate what the knock-on effect might be with news on departures as well around the NSL - how does Tyler Orr's exit shape Pulse for 2027? Outside that, we look back on the SSN Grand Final, as Adelaide Thunderbirds complete a remarkable season with a record victory in the Aussie showpiece. We’ve got three England Roses interviews as well, as Sasha Glasgow, Imogen Allison and captain Fran Williams all check in from camp in Loughborough - none of them is to be missed. We spin through the Jamaica squad news and confirm Unlocked plans for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which include Chloe and friend of the show Lucy Goodman, on the ground in Glasgow!

NSL 2026 Reviewed...Debated...and Awards Season

It’s time to review the NSL season, so settle in with Chloe and Paul for a bumper episode that covers all bases.We kick off with a round up of the latest news, which includes Wales and Scotland squad news ahead of the Commonwealth Games, and a potential crisis looming in New Zealand amid some worrying - and excellent - reporting on the ANZ. After that, it’s time to get the tuxedos and ball gowns out as we get into our Team of the Season, with plenty of difference from the NSL’s chosen seven, and a few more niche awards - as Paul names his I’ve got my eye on you eight, and Chloe has her Ins and Outs from the 2026 season. And finally, we break down all eight squads and ask where they may look to improve and what might be considered a sensible signing (or two), for the champions, the contenders and those looking to make the leap.

Karla Pretorius Unlocked: The Big Interview

Netball legend Karla Pretorius is our latest Big Interview guest, and after her making South Africa’s Commonwealth Games 12 at 36 years old, there’s plenty to chat about. The conversation begins by charting Pretorius’ inclusion following her sabbatical. The South African legend explains why she needed to step away and what she learnt about herself as she rebuilt herself piece-by-piece. She shares more about her special TNL season with the Free State Crinums and why the Proteas long squad in April gave her a much-needed boost to make her selection possible. We reflect on some of the coaches Pretorius has played under, their impact and why Coach Jenny van Dyk is the one to lead the Proteas in Glasgow. And finally, with the Games approaching, Pretorius restates her belief in this particular team, noting its depth and its aspirations with two key group games against Australia and England in wait. Enjoy.