Sammy-Jo Johnson will leave the Gold Coast Dolphins and Queensland to continue her career with the NSW Breakers

Sammy-Jo Johnson has left her beloved Gold Coast Dolphins with one last parting gift after accepting a contract offer to continue her cricketing career with the NSW Breakers.

SAMMY-JO Johnson has left her beloved Gold Coast Dolphins with one last parting gift after accepting a contract offer to continue her cricketing career with the NSW Breakers.

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The 27-year-old returns to NSW after nine years with the Queensland Fire and two WBBL championships with the Brisbane Heat but it’s Johnson’s seam bowling and power hitting the Dolphins will come to miss.

Gold Coast Dolphins star all-rounder Sammy-Jo Johnson at The Allan Border field in Albion.Pic Annette Dew

Johnson was an integral part of the Dolphin’s back to back tilts at a one-day Katherine Raymont Shield premiership, knocking 41 and taking two wickets in this year’s decider.

But despite falling short for the past two years, Johnson believes it’s only a matter of time before the Gold Coast taste premiership glory in the one-day format just a year after claiming their maiden Twenty20 title.

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“I said to Garry (coach Garry Lovett) it’s going to suck not putting on a Dolphins uniform this summer,” Johnson said.

“The club has done a lot for me, particularly Garry, and I’ve always prided myself in turning up to club cricket and playing as if I’m representing my country or state.

“There are a lot of very talented girls in our squad and coming through the junior ranks as well so the club is very well set up for the next two to four years.

“We’ve come to close and that one day title has eluded us for the last few years but I think being there and not getting over the line sets you up stronger for next time.

“Once we win one, I dare say you’ll see multiple back to back titles because we know how to play well, it’s just putting it together.”

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Johnson said it would be “weird” to pull on a different uniform after nearly a decade in Queensland but moving to New South Wales is also a homecoming years in the making for the Lismore product who rose through the state’s pathways from an early age.

“I played nine years with those (Queensland) girls so there’s no doubt there will be some sledging and banter on field but we’ll catch up after the match,” she said.

“My main goal is to represent my country and New South Wales have a great success rate of turning state players into Australian players.”

Former Dolphins Bowler Sammy-Jo Johnson. Pic Mike Batterhamm

Lovett said Johnson’s talent and presence would be missed at the Dolphins.

“It’s sad on one hand and very exciting on the other,” he said.

“I’m going to miss our early Sunday morning chats on game days and of course, just having you around the group and club.

“I know I speak on behalf of everyone at the GCDCC, you will be sadly missed on the Coast and I know that we are all very excited to see what the next chapter in your career will bring.

“We will all be cheering, supporting and following your journey from afar.”