The Sydney Thunder continue to boost their squad ahead of the upcoming summer, with Sammy-Jo Johnson inking a deal to remain in lime green for the competition’s milestone 10th season.
Johnson is one of two players from the Thunder squad to have feature in the inaugural WBBL season back in 2015/16 and was the Thunder’s second-highest wicket-taker last year with 12 scalps in as many games.
Along the way, she surpassed the 100-wicket mark, taking her tally to 106 from 115 WBBL appearances.
A title winner with the Brisbane Heat in WBBL|04, the 31-year-old Lismore native is determined to add another WBBL trophy to her name.
“I’m extremely excited to be back with the Thunder Nation and so excited to get back out for WBBL|10,” Johnson said.
“I want to be successful. I want to put my shirt on and do the Thunder Nation proud and put wins on the board for the team.”
When she’s not with the Thunder or the NSW state team, Johnson is dominating the Sydney Grade Cricket scene with Sydney Cricket Club, whose home ground Drummoyne Oval, will also be the Thunder’s base this season.
“I absolutely love Drummoyne Oval,” she said.
“Obviously being my home ground for Sydney Cricket Club and to be playing games here for WBBL|10, I’m really excited.
“It’s got that real family vibe and once the hill is packed it feels like everyone is right on top of you, so hopefully we can get lots of Thunder fans out to watch those games.”
Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland described Johnson’s re-signing as a crucial step towards building a team with the best chance for success this season.
“Re-signing Sammy-Jo was a no-brainer for us,” he said.
“You can’t substitute experience, and it helps when that experience takes regular wickets and hits them hard and far.
“We expect to be challenging for a WBBL title this upcoming season and having Sammy-Jo amongst the group again will only strengthen our chances.”
The Thunder will open their season against the Brisbane Heat at 10am next Friday, October 11 at North Sydney Oval.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.