Jo Broadbent extends coaching contract with Sydney Thunder

FORMER Australian player Jo Broadbent is staying put with the champion Sydney Thunder side with the club extending her coaching contract for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League.

Jo Broadbent in action during her playing days.

FORMER Australian player Jo Broadbent is staying put with the champion Sydney Thunder side with the club extending her coaching contract for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League.

Broadbent coached Thunder to the title in the last WBBL decided in January at the MCG when the side defeated cross town rivals, the Sydney Sixers.

“We know we’re going to have a target on our backs, it’s really important that we get our processes right,” Broadbent said.

Broadbent, confirmed on Thursday as coach, admitted she had been surprised by the extraordinary success of the WBBL last season.

“The way that people embraced the women’s game was fantastic and it took all of us by surprise a little bit,” Broadbent said.

Thunder players celebrate after they defeated the Sixers during the Women's Big Bash League Final.

“To see the AFL launching a women’s competition, the success of the Rugby 7s in the Olympics and the changes that netball are making, it’s great to see women’s sport being embraced the way it is, especially with cricket leading the way.”

An additional two WBBL games will be broadcast live on Network 10 this year, bring to 12 the number of matches fans will be able to watch live.

Thunder’s first game of the season is against the Melbourne Stars on December 10.

This match at North Sydney Oval will be live to air.