WBBL 06: Sydney Thunder set to unleash recruits in season-opener against the Sixers
Can recruits Sammy Jo Johnson and Lauren Smith lead the Thunder to a WBBL title? The duo reveal why those chose Sydney for this summer's campaign, which kicks off with the derby against the Sixers on Sunday
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Sydney Thunder new recruits Sammy Jo Johnson and Lauren Smith are determined to help lead their club’s rising stars to a WBBL championship this summer.
Both Johnson and Smith were lured to Blacktown largely by the opportunity to mentor the young squad that features eight players aged 20-years-old and younger.
“A big part of my move to Thunder was that I wanted to contribute in terms of leadership,” Johnson said.
“Being a senior bowler I want to help the young girls with planning and tactics, how to handle yourself, composure.
“It’s also important for our young girls to learn how and when to switch off, making sure it’s not cricket 24/7 because six weeks is a long time.”
Last year, Thunder’s captain Rachael Haynes convinced Smith to leave the Sixers over coffee.
The all-rounder - known for her upbeat energy and executing clutch run outs - said she is keen to take on more leadership duties in 2020.
“They needed a few more players in that middle age area to connect the younger girls to the older girls. I usually get on with everyone with the team, I love being a buffer to help everyone connect,” Smith said.
“I‘m 24, I’m in that middle age group, so I’ll be one of the mentors, especially those younger spinners.
“Rach and I work really well together, we play WNCL for NSW, she said she’ll back whatever ideas I have when I’m coming up to bowl.”
Both players have won successive WBBL titles - Smith with the Sydney Sixers, and Johnson with Brisbane Heat - and will have valuable intel on their powerhouse former clubs
“When you spend ten years in Queensland and five years playing under the Brisbane Heat, you know those girls pretty well,” Johnson said.
“I’ve been keeping a cheeky eye on club cricket, they stream games so I’ve been keeping an eye on that and passing on my information.”
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The Thunder will open their WBBL 06 campaign against cross-town rivals the Sixers on Sunday afternoon.
After completing a NSW Breakers pre-season with the likes of Alyssa Healy, Ash Gardner and Erin Burns, Johnson expects the clash to be close.
“It’s going to be a hotly contested match, they’ve got some really good up-and-coming younger players, as well as their big six superstars,” Johnson said.
“It’ll be a tough match, but the way we’ve prepared, It’ll be a good game and I think it’ll get up.”
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