Veteran Sarah Coyte believes winning the WNCL grand final against Queensland on Sunday would surpass her six previous titles, as it symbolizes NSW’s rebuilding journey over the last few years. At 33, Coyte recalls NSW’s dominance and the expectations that came with it, highlighting the team’s current struggles to compete without the star players of the past. The final lacks Australian players due to commitments in the WPL, allowing opportunities for other talents. Newly returning players like Sammy-Jo Johnson, who initially left for prospects elsewhere, aim to establish a new legacy for NSW. Both teams hope to create significant moments in this pivotal match.
“It’s significant primarily because NSW has spent the last four or five years in a rebuilding phase,” Coyte shared with AAP.
At 33, Coyte remains one of the last links to NSW’s dominant era in women’s domestic cricket. She secured six championships with the state from 2010 to 2015 during the Breakers’ historic streak of 10 consecutive titles in the 2000s and 2010s.
The Breakers were so influential in the initial years of the 50-over WNCL that they captured 20 of the first 23 titles, finishing as runners-up in the remaining three.
“When NSW kept winning, it became an expectation due to all the star players we had,” Coyte reflected. “The structure has transformed drastically since those days. We don’t have as many top names anymore, and the Australian team always has commitments. Now, we have to strive tirelessly for every victory, and it’s evident.”
Having a history of winning, Coyte moved from NSW to South Australia in 2015-16, breaking NSW’s championship streak there. After securing two additional titles in Tasmania, she is on the hunt for her 10th WNCL title after 13 full seasons that included a sabbatical.
“It would be everything; it would mean so much for NSW to reclaim its top position,” she conveyed. “Not only for me but also for Cricket NSW to rise again after the rebuilding process.”
“The silver lining of having so many players coming and going is that we’ve been able to offer numerous opportunities to many girls throughout the season. Everyone in our 13-player squad has participated in matches this season, so everyone is familiar with the game—it allows us to avoid introducing new players suddenly for a final, which should work in our favor.”
Having only experienced the success of NSW’s past stars, both had to relocate to Queensland and ACT respectively for opportunities before returning in recent years.
“Growing up, my sole aspiration was to play for NSW,” Johnson confessed. “It was my only dream; I just longed to wear the baggy blue. But Queensland provided me with an opportunity, and I wouldn’t have built my reputation if I hadn’t pursued it elsewhere.”
Now, they know a chance is available for NSW to forge a new legacy this Sunday.
“The legacy is quite rich, but the exciting aspect of this group is that we’ve carved out our own path,” Johnson explained. “We’ve faced many struggles, endured numerous injuries … We’ve had to work incredibly hard.”
WNCL final squads
Queensland Georgia Redmayne (capt), Charli Knott, Lily Bassingthwaighte, Lucinda Bourke, Sianna Ginger, Lilli Hamilton, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Laura Harris, Grace Parsons, Courtney Sippel, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Mikayla Wrigley
New South Wales Georgia Adams (capt), Sam Bates, Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle, Sarah Coyte, Hannah Darlington, Elsa Hunter, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Claire Moore, Frankie Nicklin, Kate Pelle, Tahlia Wilson