Donnell Wallam leaves Leeds Rhinos to be closer to family

Harvey netball product Donnell Wallam has decided not to take the option of a second year at the Leeds Rhinos to move back to Australia and be closer to family. The UK side confirmed the South West star, pictured, would not return after playing 11 games for the club. The 191cm talent signed a two-year contract with Leeds in October 2020 ahead of their inaugural season in the Vitality Netball Superleague. The goal shooter proved her worth straight away, scoring 49 of the club’s 65 goals to help them win their inaugural Superleague match. Despite her on-court success, Wallam said she struggled living away from home, especially during COVID-19. “I decided not to return to Leeds as it’s just so far away from home, and with the pandemic it makes it very hard to travel and get back home,” she said. “I would also like for my family to be able to watch my games in person.” Wallam was heartbreakingly forced to leave the court in her second match with a fractured radius, but was incredibly still able to score 483 goals from her 11 games. The 27-year-old was was also forced to deal with the tragic loss of her grandmother towards the end of the season. Wallam said dealing with injuries and grief away from family was something she had not experienced before. “It was really difficult at times being away from family, especially when I got injured, as they would be my main support system,” she said. “I had to be really independent. I’m grateful for my teammates and the club, they were like my family away from my family.” Wallam is training with the Western Sting for the Australian Netball Championships in September.