Sophie Hankin, Ellie Kelk and Steph Collard sign for benecos Mavericks

Sophie Hankin, Ellie Kelk and Steph Collard have become the latest three players to sign for benecos Mavericks ahead of the 2019 Superleague season.

Hankin returns for her sixth season with Mavericks after a year-long spell with Team Northumbria, while shooter Kelk and defender Collard have also penned new deals.

"I'm looking forward to heading back home," Hankin said. "It's amazing to be back with old team-mates and exciting to be playing with the new [players]. Bring on the 2019 season."

Director of netball Kathryn Ratnapala added: "It's great to have Sophie come back home to Mavericks this season.

"She is a very underestimated player and we're looking forward to working with her again and seeing her back in the black and purple dress."

Kelk and Collard made their Superleague debuts last season and Ratnapala is glad to see the pair back in Hertfordshire.

"Ellie has come through the Mavericks pathway and is a player who continues to grow and develop every year - she is hard working and very coachable," she said.

"After her standout performance in the Bucs Final last year for University of Hertfordshire, she has deserved her spot on our squad.

"Steph is a hard-working, gutsy and talented athlete. This will be her fourth year with the franchise, she is a fantastic team member and we're excited to continue to work with her this season."

Collard added: "I'm delighted to be back with Mavericks for a fourth season and to have the opportunity to be part of such an exciting squad.

"I'm looking forward to building on last season and getting the chance to work with some new faces. I cannot wait to see what we can do this season."

The trio of players join Georgia Lees, Michelle Drayne, Gabby Marshall, Raz Quashie, Sasha Corbin, George Fisher, Kadeen Corbin and Lindsay Keable on the 2019 squad roster.