Cricket NSW Names 11 Athletes for 2025-26 Women’s Emerging Player Program

Cricket NSW has announced the 11 athletes selected for its 2025/26 Women’s Emerging Player Program (EPP), reaffirming its commitment to developing elite female cricketers across the state.

The Emerging Player Program (EPP) continues to play a crucial role in the women’s high-performance cricket pathway, providing athletes with access to top-tier coaching, elite facilities, and the chance to train alongside some of the nation’s premier players.

Several recent alumni have already begun to make their presence felt at the professional level. 15-year-old Sixers’ all-rounder Caoimhe Bray and 19-year-old Thunder’s Ella Briscoe advanced through the programme before earning their maiden WBBL contracts ahead of WBBL-10. Remarkably, Bray, at just 15 years of age, has also secured a rookie deal with the NSW Breakers following a standout WBBL season and an impressive debut in the WNCL.

The programme also continues to nurture both rising and established talents, including Lauren Kua and Stella Campbell, who remain involved in the EPP as they push for higher honours in their careers.

The EPP is closely timed with the domestic season and shifts its focus to T20 cricket during the WBBL period. During this time, players are integrated into either the Sixers or Thunder Academies, with strong performances opening the door for selection in the Spring Challenge and potentially the WBBL.

From December onwards, the programme shifts its emphasis to one-day cricket, featuring Second XI matches in the latter half of the season to further develop players in the 50-over format.

Leah Poulton, Head of Elite Female Cricket, highlighted the crucial role the EPP plays in developing the next generation of elite players.

Poulton stated that the EPP is a vital part of the Female Pathway and continues to grow and develop each year. She expressed pride in the positive impact it has had on players’ careers, noting that last season three EPP athletes, Nicklin, Bates and Bray, earned upgrades to NSW State contracts, while two secured WBBL deals. She added that this year’s group is just as talented and expressed excitement to follow their progress throughout the season.