Photo Credit: Twitte Photo of @aucklandcricket
Fresh energy, a ground-breaking new Master Agreement in effect, and a player transfer – headline Auckland HEARTS’ first round of contracts for 2022/23 summer.
Head Coach Female Performance Programme, Rob Nicol is “raring to go for the start of summer” and wants the team to draw inspiration and identity from Tāmaki Makaurau’s rich history and its surroundings.
“We are trying to bring more competition and connection within our environment which encompasses fun and pride in representing our great city, Auckland.”
Nicol stressed the importance of utilising the full squad depth behind the reasoning for awarding six new player contracts.
“They are exciting new additions to our squad who will bring in fresh energy to the group. It is in having a large pool of players available throughout the season which will be key in keeping the internal competition going with multiple players who may be unavailable with WHITE FERNS, NZC Development squads, or Representative age-group commitments.”
Leg-spinning allrounder Makayla Templeton has transferred to Auckland from Northern Districts. Templeton who originates from Northland is currently studying in Tāmaki Makaurau. Nicol hailed the 19-year-old as a “superb addition to the HEARTS squad”.
“She has some great qualities both as a player and person, which we hope will fit seamlessly into our environment.”
Director of Talent and Performance, Daniel Archer is thrilled with the ground-breaking Master Agreement that will see domestic women’s players receiving the same match fees as the men across all formats and competitions this season.
“What an exciting time for cricket with the new Master Agreement and the increased support and investment towards growing the women’s game.
“We should be aspirational about the growth of women’s cricket in this country and support the players who are committed and determined to play their part in building a strong future for cricket in Aotearoa. You only need to look around the world currently to see how increased investment and attitudes towards female sport has seen participation, viewership, and engagement skyrocket.
Now is our opportunity to collectively drive this in cricket in this country,” he said.
“This is an exciting and talented Hearts group that is coming together for the season. Our programme has had a significant change in personnel both on and off the field over the recent period.
“We are excited that this change will continue to push Auckland Cricket to become the biggest producer of domestic and national talent.”
One more player will be named in the second round on 24 September, bringing the total number of domestic women’s contracts to twelve. Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Fran Jonas, and Molly Penfold had all been offered central contracts for WHITE FERNS.
HEARTS first-round contracts 22/23:
Bella Armstrong
Anna Browning
Prue Catton
Amie Hucker
Holly Huddleston
Breearne Illing
Amberley Parr
Josie Penfold
Katie Perkins
Saachi Shahri
Makayla Templeton
