Several New Zealand provinces have announced their contracted players for the upcoming season. Here are the key updates:
Natalie Dodd, the captain of the Central Hinds, has chosen to opt out of the domestic contracting process for the upcoming season as she is expecting her first child later this year. Dodd, a top-order batter and wicketkeeper, was the Hinds Player of the Year in 2021 and 2023 and has been a crucial player since joining Central Districts from Northern Districts in 2018. Under her leadership, the Hinds won the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield in the 2018-19 season, with Dodd finishing as the tournament’s top run-scorer.
The Hinds had a successful 2023-24 season, reaching the Super Smash final and finishing mid-table in the weather-affected one-day competition.
Central Districts’ high-performance manager, Dave Meiring, expressed support for Dodd’s decision, saying, “We are thrilled for Natalie and her husband at this special time in their lives. We fully support her decision to focus on family this summer, and it presents an opportunity for others to step up and apply what they have learned from her.”
Anna Gaging, a seam bowler, has been awarded a Central Hinds contract for the first time, joining her twin sister, Kate Gaging, who is already on the roster. Anna made her debut in the 2020-21 season and has five caps across both formats. She achieved her first four-wicket haul earlier this year in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield against Northern Districts.
Anna is the only new addition to the initial list of 12 contracted players for the 2024-25 season, with one more player to be added later this month to complete the squad. Although the captain has not been announced yet, Hannah Rowe, a New Zealand international, has previously led the team.
The following players have retained their spots from last year: Aniela Apperley, Emma McLeod, and Flora Devonshire.
Contracted Players:
- Aniela Apperley
- Georgia Atkinson
- Ocean Bartlett
- Flora Devonshire
- Anna Gaging
- Kate Gaging
- Claudia Green
- Mikaela Greig
- Ashuti Kumar
- Emma McLeod
- Thamsyn Newton
- Kerry Tomlinson
NZC Contracts:
- Rosemary Mair
- Hannah Rowe
Canterbury Magicians
Allrounder Kate Anderson has rejoined the Canterbury Magicians’ domestic list after missing out on an NZC central contract for 2024-25. Spin-bowling allrounder Harriet Graham has earned her first domestic contract, having been part of the wider squad in recent seasons and playing three matches in last season’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.
Head coach Rhys Morgan stated, “We’re committed to developing our young talent and ensuring they have the support and guidance needed to thrive. The experience our senior players bring will be invaluable for the growth of our younger players and the team’s success.”
Contracted Players:
- Kate Anderson
- Sarah Asmussen
- Missy Banks
- Natalie Cox
- Jodie Dean
- Harriet Graham
- Abigail Hotton
- Laura Hughes
- Frankie Mackay
- Izzy Sharp
- Jess Simmons
- Gabby Sullivan