As the Netball NSW Premier League continues to showcase the state’s best emerging and established talent, we’re taking a closer look at the licensees that shape the competition.
First up in our spotlight series are the Manly Warringah Sapphires, a team that has quietly built one of the most successful and consistent legacies in the league.
Representing Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the Manly Warringah Sapphires are proudly backed by the Manly Warringah Netball Association, one of the largest associations in New South Wales.
Established to create a clear pathway for local athletes from grassroots to the elite Premier League competition, the Sapphires have become a model for community-driven success with more than 85 per cent of players, coaches and staff coming through the Manly Warringah netball system.
With strong ties with the Northern Beaches netball community through the MW Sapphires Academy, Junior athletes regularly engage with Premier League players, reinforcing visible pathways and inspiring the next generation of talent.
Their approach has delivered results. With Opens Premierships in 2017, 2023 and 2025, the Sapphires now stand as the most successful licensee in the history of the Netball NSW Premier League.
Opens Head Coach Mel Clarke has been central to the Sapphires’ success, guiding the team to multiple premierships while building a culture of belief, resilience and high performance. The program is further strengthened by 23U Head Coach Sarah Bowen, who also serves as NSW 19U Assistant Coach, alongside long-serving leaders Opens Captain Latika Tombs and Team Manager Lisa Eady, both involved with the licensee for more than a decade.
The Sapphires continue to produce athletes who progress through the Netball NSW pathway system and into elite environments. Recent examples include NSW Swift Teigan O’Shannassy and Matisse Leatherbarrow from GIANTS Netball.
Former Sapphire Jemma Donoghue has also taken her talent internationally, signing with the London Mavericks for the 2026 UK Netball Super League season.
One of the licensees most significant milestones came just last year when the Sapphires claimed the Premier League Opens title at Ken Rosewall Arena during the competition’s 10th anniversary season.
The victory capped a dominant year and further cemented the Manly Warringah Sapphires place among the competition’s most respected teams.
The Netball NSW Premier League starts on Wednesday 22nd April at Netball Central, watch live via netballnsw.tv.
