Team Bath are looking to win the 2026 NXT Gen League title, according to joint head coach Natalie Roddy.
The Team Bath Netball NXT Gen League squad 2026 | Photo © Team Bath / Anna Barclay
And last year’s runners-up are set to be roared on by a four-figure crowd at Team Bath Arena when they open the new campaign at home to London Pulse this evening, Friday 23rd January (7pm).
This is the second successive year that Team Bath have hosted the opening fixture.
And there will be added excitement as it will be the first NXT Gen match to feature the Super Shot, which allows shooters to score two points from a dedicated area on the edge of the shooting circle during the last five minutes of each quarter.
With 12 of this season’s 17-strong squad returning from the 2025 campaign, Roddy – joint head coach with Anya Le Monnier – believes that continuity has helped Team Bath step up their preparations.
Roddy said: “It feels like we’re further ahead than where we were at the same point last year and that feeling is shared within the playing group.
“Our goal at the start of pre-season training back in October was to build on where we left off last summer – and I think we’ve done that.
“We’ve looked strong and committed and there’s a great atmosphere around the squad.
“We’ve had two positive performances in friendlies against Nottingham Forest and Cardiff Dragons but you never really know where you are until that first league game – and Pulse will provide a great marker.
“Like us, they’re renowned for their player development programme. Our matches against them last year were really competitive.
“We’re determined to start the season with a win. But however it goes and whatever the result is, I know we’ll build throughout the season.
“We beat everybody at some point last season, so that has to be our marker again.
“We want to push on from last year, so matching that achievement would be our minimum target.
“If you ask the players, the ambition is to win the league.”
Roddy says the introduction of Super Shot will have a big impact on the league but believes her shooters are ready for the challenge. Experienced new recruit Lucy Herdman is renowned for her long-range shooting prowess.
“Super Shot brings a whole new dynamic to games and there’s a real tactical element to it too, so it will make the league even more exciting,” said Roddy.
“We’ve been working on it in training and, while the pressure will be very different during matches, the players are looking confident.
“Lucy has been very generous in passing on her knowledge and tactics to the other shooters.”
Ellie Ervine, Lily Jones and Lottie Robinson are Team Bath’s leadership group this season.
Mid-courter Ervine and shooter Jones – both of whom have Super League experience – are co-captains, and defender Robinson continues in her role as vice-captain.
Roddy said: “This trio will be a dream team. There’s a leader in each unit of the court and I’m excited to see what they contribute on and off the court.
“Lily was our captain during the inaugural NXT Gen League season and is a natural leader, while Lottie, our vice-captain from last year, has amazing people skills allied with enthusiasm and positivity. They’ve absolutely earned the opportunity to continue in those roles.
“Ellie has masses of captaincy experience, across the University of Bath’s BUCS squads and Team Bath’s National Prem team. She’s a role-model athlete, her dedication and commitment are unrivalled, and she sets the bar for others.”
Jones said: “I’m really proud to be co-captain of this team alongside Ellie and Lottie. This is a group full of talent, energy and different strengths, and I’m excited to see us bring that together to become a united, hard-working team.
“We’ve already put in a lot of work and I can’t wait to build on that, push each other and see how far we can go this season as we work towards our goals together.
Ervine said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be co-captain this year, leading such a great team that’s been improving every week and building on the success we created last season.
“It’s shaping up to be a bigger and better season, and we can’t wait to keep growing together and see our Blue & Gold fans again.”
Robinson said: “It’s a huge honour to be named vice-captain. This team means a lot to me and I’m really excited to help lead such a driven and talented group.
“We’ve got big goals this season and a real togetherness building, so I’m looking forward to the journey of achieving those goals and embracing everything that comes with it.”
Tickets for tonight’s match are available here.
