Manchester Thunder confirm squad as they prepare to defend Superleague title

Manchester Thunder have announced their squad for the 2015 season, with Chelsea Pitman the only new arrival for the reigning Netball Superleague champions.

The Australian star, who joined as the team's overseas signing in the summer, can fill a range of positions for Thunder as she has previously played at goal attack, centre and wing attack.

England centre courter Sara Bayman will again captain the Thunder, who won the title in dramatic fashion last season when Helen Housby scored a last-gasp winner against Surrey.

Housby will be joined in attack by Krista Enziano, Alice Travis, Kathryn Turner and Eleanor Cardwell.

After making a smooth transition from defence to attack, Cardwell impressed in her new role in October, displaying composed shooting form in a pre-season friendly against Yorkshire Jets.

Bayman, who played for England in this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Beth Cobden and Laura Malcolm complete a strong centre court for Thunder, despite the departure of Rachel Henry to Loughborough Lightning.

Experienced defender Emma Dovey, talented youngster Georgie Webster and Jodie Gibson will line up beside keeper Kerry Almond.

Welsh international Sara Hale, who suffered a serious knee injury playing for Thunder in March, has joined the club's defensive coaching staff.

Gabriella Marshall and Paige Kindred will be pushing for more court time after helping to secure three NPL Championships with Manchester.

Thunder start their 2015 campaign with a rematch of this year's final against Surrey Storm on January 26 in Manchester.