Teenage allrounder Olivia Porter snapped up by Sydney Thudner for WBBL06

Porter, who captained Universities to the New South Wales Women's Premier Cricket First Grade T20 title last season, joined Thunder last year as a local replacement player for their international import Nida Dar. This time, however, the 19-year-old has earned her place as a full-member of the squad after a promising 12 months in the domestic circuit.

Ahead of the 2020-21 season, she earned her maiden state contract, having moved to Canberra to join the Australian Capital Territory Meteors. The teenager, said the signing is a dream come true, adding that she has been a supporter of the club since the very first season of the men's competition.

“I’ve grown up supporting Thunder since BBL|01 and I’ve always wanted to play for Thunder so when I got that call, I was just speechless,” she said. “I know that being in an environment like Thunder, especially with players like Rachael Haynes, is the best way to learn so I’m very excited."

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“Last season I was a bit starstruck being around all these players that I’ve watched from the grandstand and on TV but they’re all really lovely and made me feel very welcome."

“My number one goal this year is to play WBBL. I was there at Thunder’s first game of WBBL|01 in Penrith and I’d love to run out and show all the young fans that dreams do come true.”

Thunder head coach Trevor Griffin said he was impressed by Porter's skill and competitiveness, adding that her allround ability would add great value to the squad.

"While Olivia didn’t play last season, she was really impressive at training,” Griffin said. “She didn’t come into the nets and go easy on any of the other players and I really like that competitiveness. She bowls a heavy ball with good pace and some movement, and as a batter she wants to score runs and impose herself on the opposition."

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“For me, it’s all about encouraging these young players to have courage and play the game their way so I’m really excited about being able to work closer with Olivia and see what she can do this season.”

With the addition of Porter, Thunder now have as many as six teenagers in their line-up, with two places to fill. Shabnim Ismail, the South African speedster, is the only international in the squad so far, so it is likely that the remaining two slots will be filled by overseas players.

Cricket Australia recently confirmed that the entire season of the WBBL will be played in a hub in Sydney beginning on October 25. Fixtures will be released in due course.

Squad so far: Rachael Haynes (c), Sam Bates, Hannah Darlington, Saskia Horley, Shabnim Ismail, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Kate Peterson, Olivia Porter, Lauren Smith, Rachel Trenaman, Tahlia Wilson