New South Wales Ready to Rebuild Pride and Begin a New WNCL Era

Veteran Sarah Coyte of New South Wales openly states that winning Sunday’s grand final against Queensland would be more significant than her initial six WNCL titles with the state.

“This is largely because NSW has been in a rebuilding phase for the past four or five years,” Coyte mentioned to AAP.

At 33, Coyte is among the few remaining players from NSW’s dominant period in women’s domestic cricket. She secured six titles with the state between 2010 and 2015, contributing to the Breakers’ unprecedented streak of 10 consecutive titles in the 2000s and 2010s.

The Breakers were so dominant in the early years of the 50-over WNCL that they won 20 of the first 23 competitions and were runners-up in the other three.

“Back when NSW consistently won, it was simply expected due to the presence of numerous star players,” Coyte explained. “The program has drastically changed since then. We don’t have as many prominent names now, as the Australian national team always has commitments. Now, we must fight and work intensely for success, and it’s evident.”

Coyte is well-acquainted with victory. After moving from NSW to South Australia in the 2015-16 season, she ended NSW’s winning streak by securing a title there. She added two more titles in Tasmania. Now, the fast bowler is aiming for her 10th WNCL title in 13 full seasons, after a break in her career.

“It would be the ultimate achievement. It would mean everything for NSW to return to the top,” she said. “Not only for me but also for Cricket NSW, to be back after a period of rebuilding.”

Georgia Adams and Georgia Redmayne before the WNCL final between Queensland and NSW

The evolving nature of the WNCL means that Sunday’s final will not feature any Australian national team players. Queensland’s Georgia Voll was the most recent player to depart for India to participate in the WPL on Friday. However, this situation creates opportunities for other players to realize their long-held ambitions. For Queensland, who topped the league table, up to six players in their XI will be seeking their first title after losing to Tasmania in the previous year’s final.

“It’s disappointing – we would have loved for her to play, and I know she was eager to play as well, but this is a great opportunity for her and a deserved reward for her season so far,” stated Queensland captain Georgia Redmayne. “Considering the urgency to get her to India, I sincerely hope they give her the opportunity she has earned on Tuesday.”

“The positive aspect of having frequent player changes is that we’ve been able to provide numerous opportunities to many girls throughout the season. Every player in our squad of 13 has played matches this season, so everyone has had exposure and experience. We are not suddenly introducing new players into the team for a final, which I believe is advantageous for us.”

Georgia Voll has received a late call-up to the WPL

For NSW, a new generation is eager for success after finishing fifth and sixth in the past two years. For experienced Breakers players like fast bowler Sammy-Jo Johnson and spinner Sam Bates, a title opportunity awaits after NSW’s past dominance paradoxically limited their chances as younger players.

Having only known NSW’s winning tradition, both Johnson and Bates had to move to Queensland and ACT, respectively, to gain opportunities before returning in recent years.

“My childhood dream was to play for NSW,” Johnson said. “It was all I ever dreamed of – wearing the baggy blue. But Queensland provided me with an opportunity, and I wouldn’t have made a name for myself if I hadn’t sought opportunities elsewhere.”

Now, they recognize that Sunday presents a chance for NSW to establish a new legacy.

“The history is very rich, but the exciting aspect of this group is that we are forging our own path,” Johnson stated. “We have experienced struggles. We’ve had numerous injuries… We’ve had to endure the grind.”