Rachel Trenaman signs two year contract with Sydney Thunder

The 18-year-old, who is fresh off a half-century for New South Wales in the Women’s National Cricket League, said she is excited by the opportunity to continue with the club, and hopes to improve on her performances.

“It’s really exciting,” said Trenaman, shortly after the announcement on Wednesday (September 25). “There are a few young prospects who have been signed too, so it’s going to be a big year for the club and I’m pleased to be part of it.”

“My main focus this year is helping the team, and ultimately we want to be in the final and holding up that trophy. I have a few personal goals, wanting to perform well as you always do, but the team comes first.”

Over the course of the last 12 months, Trenaman’s rise through the ranks has been quite rapid. She played a part in NSW’s record breaking 20th WNCL title run, then represented the Governor General’s XI earlier this year in a match against New Zealand, and was also part of the Australia A squad that toured England in July.

“Playing for Thunder has been crucial in my development,” Trenaman said. “Being able to chat to some outstanding players like Rachel Priest and Rachael Haynes has been incredible, and no doubt will further develop my career and cricket.”

The allrounder was part of the Sydney Thunder squad that fell agonisingly short in their semi-final against Brisbane Heat last season. She made her debut earlier in the tournament having already spent two years with the club. She is hopeful that with a new group in place, and a fair few young faces, Thunder will be able to go further than they did in 2018-19.

“Last year was so heartbreaking coming down to the final ball, being so close to going through to the final was devastating,” she said. “This year it’s a new group so it will be a bit refreshing, and hopefully we can go that little step further.”

Trenaman will join fellow teenagers Tahlia Wilson, Saskia Horley, Kate Peterson and Hannah Darlington in the Thunder squad.

The club are set to open their campaign in the first ever standalone WBBL against Sydney Sixers at the North Sydney Oval on October 18.

Squad so far: Rachael Haynes (C), Sam Bates, Alex Blackwell, Hannah Darlington, Rene Farrell, Lisa Griffith, Saskia Horley, Kate Peterson, Rachel Priest, Naomi Stalenberg, Rachel Trenaman, Tahlia Wilson