NSW Breakers and Sydney Thunder stalwart, Sammy-Jo Johnson, has announced her retirement from elite cricket, bringing an end to an illustrious 14-year career that included 131 WBBL and 86 WNCL appearances.
Johnson’s contributions to the game, both on and off the field, has been one of her defining attributes. Her ability to inspire teammates through her actions, combined with composed leadership, sets a high standard for the next generation.
Hailing from Lismore, Johnson rose through the NSW underage pathways before relocating to Queensland where she made her WNCL debut in 2011.
After a successful stint with QLD, including back-to-back WBBL titles with the Heat in WBBL|04 and |05, she returned to NSW in 2020/21- signing a contract with the NSW Breakers and Sydney Thunder ahead of WBBL|06. The move home was marked by immediate success, with the Thunder claiming the WBBL|06 title.
A talented allrounder, Johnson has taken 111 wickets at an impressive average of 25.05 and amassed 982 runs in the WBBL. In the WNCL, she's notched up 103 wickets at an average of 27.14 and 1079 runs. Her best WNCL bowling figures came earlier this year, when she took 4-40 against the ACT in February.
She captained NSW on 17 occasions and ends her elite career as a WNCL champion - helping return the Ruth Preddy Cup to NSW for the first time since 2018/19.
“I’m excited for the next chapter. Becoming a mechanic has always been a dream of mine, and now I'll be one step closer to moving into that full time,” Johnson said.
“I’m also looking forward to spending more time with family and friends, and of course, racing at Sydney Dragway.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Cricket NSW for the pathways they provided me as a junior. The underage and school programs were vital to my development and set me up for senior cricket.
“I do have to thank Queensland for the opportunity they afforded me to debut in WNCL and WBBL, but wearing the Baggy Blue was always the dream. When Leah reached out in 2020 with the chance to come home, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
“Leading the side has been one of my greatest honours and even through the challenges, I was always well supported and loved every moment.
“To finish my career with a WNCL title is unbelievable, but what means even more is seeing the growth in this group over the last five years. Being part of the team that brough Ruth home, is something I will always cherish and be proud of.”
Cricket NSW Head of Female Elite Cricket Leah Poulton underpinned Johnson’s value to Cricket NSW.
“Sammy’s been an integral part of both the NSW Breakers and Sydney Thunder and leaves a lasting impact on the game,” Poulton said.
“Her leadership, consistency, and all-round ability have set a high standard for those who follow in her footsteps.
“We thank Sammy for the immense contributions she’s made and wish her all the best in her next chapter.”