Sydney Thunder squad out in force for Open Day at Blacktown
Blacktown-born Naomi Stalenberg and Sydney Thunder stars are ready to give tips and advice to fans at their Open Day on Thursday.
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WBBL star Naomi Stalenberg knows the impact inspiring words and a bit of advice can have on a young player.
It’s why she and all her teammates will be talking to fans at Sydney Thunder’s Open Day at Blacktown International Sportspark on Thursday from 5pm.
Stalenberg, who has played 58 matches since joining Thunder in the first WBBL competition, is urgings young players to use the fan meet and greet to ask their favourite athletes for tips and advice.
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“We have a quite diverse community in the Blacktown area and I think we’ll have a huge turnout,” said the 25-year-old, who also plays cricket for Penrith.
“It’s great for players to be able to give back to our community, and it’s great to think the kids will be up close to their idols.
“The players are there to have a chat and we’re all happy for the young players to pick our brains and to have some fun with us.’’
The entire Thunder squad - including Australia’s vice-captain Rachael Haynes, former Australian skipper Alex Blackwell, Pakistan’s Nida Dar, South African pace bowler Shabnim Ismail and New Zealand’s wicketkeeper Rachel Priest - will be out in force ahead of Saturday’s WBBL blockbuster against the Melbourne Renegades at Blacktown.
Former Australian great Mark Waugh will be joined by Thunder’s BBL players Chris Green, Matthew Gilkes and Nathan McAndrew to help oversee the cricket clinic.
![Sydney Thunder WBBL stars [Left to right] Tahlia Wilson, Kate Peterson, Naomi Stalenberg, Rene Farrell and Lisa Griffith will be at Blacktown International Sportspark on Thursday to meet fans at the team’s Open Day. Pic: Steve Cristo.](https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/a59cef14c37d62ca36d7ed3596cf81a0?width=650)
Junior fans will have the chance to participate in plenty of fun-filled cricket-themed activities, take home loads of giveaways and have secure autographs and selfies with the stars.
Fast bowler Rene Farrell said one of the most important aspects of the day was for the children to turn up with a ‘‘have a go’’ approach.
“Cricket is a game all Australians can play,” she said. “I think it’s exciting that kids have a chance to participate in some great activities and to have a bat, bowl and field.
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“The great thing is you don’t have to be a Steve Smith, Naomi Stalenberg or Lisa Griffith; you can just come down, roll your arm over and have a bit of fun.
“We’ll be at Blacktown and apart from interacting with them, we’re here to inspire the next generation to play cricket and have a go. Who knows? We might even identify some talent.”