Cricket NSW unveils teams for National Indigenous Cricket Championships

The men’s team, led once again by Dunghutti man Brendan Smith, are aiming to go one better this year after a seven-wicket loss in the 2025 Championships decider. 

NSW’s women’s team, under longstanding captain and Wiradjuri women Julie Muir, will take a strong squad to Mackay in pursuit of the title after finishing third in last year’s event. 

In an added boost for both squads, two outstanding emerging coaches will support the sides in Mackay, made possible by the Cricket NSW Foundation’s Indigenous Coaches Scholarship Program. 

Scholarship recipients Pat Rosser and Karen Tighue will join the NSW teams on tour, reinforcing Cricket NSW’s commitment to strengthening coaching pathways and expanding development opportunities across the state.  

A former NSW Indigenous Team captain, Rosser has been a valued member of the men’s program for more than two decades and has also contributed significantly to the NSW Pathways Academies. 

Tighue participated in the recent First Nations Women’s Coaching Course and works in the Armidale Catholic Schools network as an expert in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education K-12, whilst also delivering cricket programs to girls and young women in the region. 

A total of 13 teams will be in action in the T20 tournament, with eight men's sides and five women's sides vying for the national titles.    

The fixtures and scores for the tournament can be accessed on the PlayCricket app.  

The finals will be broadcast live on National Indigenous Television (NITV) across April 18-19.  

This is the fourth season that the two teams have been supported by the CNSW Foundation to compete at the championships. 

NSW MEN’S INDIGENOUS SQUAD:  

Brendan Smith – Dhungutti (C) 
Lucas Sheehy – Wiradjuri
Riley Keen – Wiradjuri 
Blake Smith - Wiradjuri 
Brynley Richards - Dharawal 
Ryan Fenning - Wiradjuri 
Ben Mitchell – Dharawal 
Luca Croft – Gurindji 
Ethan Fitzpatrick – Ngunnawal 
Jack Hartigan – Yuin 
Kaine Balgowan – Bundjalung 
Kealen Blattner – Yuin  
James Rosser – Wiradjuri  
Patrick Rosser – Wiradjuri  
Callan McKiernan – Kamilaroi / Dunghutti 

Head Coach: Jeff Cook 

Manager: Anthony Kershler and Patrick Rosser 

Mentor: Damien Duroux 

NSW WOMEN’S INDIGENOUS SQUAD:  

Julie Muir – Wiradjuri (C) 
Cadence Waters – Mulubinba 
Marnee Walters – Ngemba / Gamilaroi 
Dimity Parton – Wiradjuri / Yuwaalaraay 
Roxsanne Van-Veen – Gundungurra 
Sasha Croft – Gurindji / Malgnin / Mudburra 
Makenzie Keeler – Kamilaroi 
Zaylia Page – Dunghuttii / Gumbaynggirr 
Zoe Fleming – Kamilaroi 
Aimee Ravot – Wiradjuri 
Callee Black – Wiradjuri 
Taleha Urszulak – Dharawal 
Maddison Spence – Wiradjuri 

Head Coach: Kerry Marshall 

Assistant Coach: Zoya Thakur & Karen Tighe 

Mentor: Loretta Stanley-Black