It makes sense that England netball head coach, Jess Thirlby will be keeping a close eye on the Vitality Netball Superleague as it progresses, and so far she likes what she sees. 

Speaking to Sky Sports, she said: "The intent that teams have shown, being brave and putting themselves out there, has been excellent."

"They've put themselves out there, like Saracens Mavericks saying that they won't be coming fifth again and sharing their want to win the competition," added Thirlby.

"I love all of the stories behind the league, hopefully it will keep driving the attention and help the sport."

In terms of the Roses, Thirlby is positive about the fact that some of the Under 21s including London Pulse's Funmi Fadoju and Jasmin Odeogberin and Loughborough Lightning's Alice Harvey are making their mark on the court so far.

Thirlby said: "The Roses player group is a pretty dynamic player group and you've seen some of the young talent out in Superleague too.

"I'm not saying that all of that [the young talent] is ready now but it's a really healthy place to be."

Overall, the head coach is positive about the depth of the national team: "There are also players who were at the World Cup, who have yet to return to the programme but are very much looking forward to doing that.

"They'll be joining those who have fronted up on the national scene recently and with those young players underneath it. The sport is in a really healthy place."

It's close at the top of the table with Team Bath, who Thirlby previously coached, currently leading, ahead of Manchester Thunder, the defending champions. With both teams on nine points, they are currently separated by goal difference.

At the other end of the table are Severn Stars and Celtic Dragons both on zero points, something that could change for Celtic Dragons if they beat London Pulse in the final round three match tonight.