Photo Credit: Melbourne Renegades
Two of Australian cricket’s most promising prospects, Fergus O’Neill and Emma de Broughe, have re-committed to the Melbourne Renegades.
The Renegades have secured O’Neill and de Broughe on two-year deals, significant signatures to lock away as the club continues to build exciting BBL and WBBL lists capable of achieving sustained success.
O’Neill, a talented all-rounder, has quickly made a name for himself at domestic level following three outstanding seasons with Victoria His contribution with the ball especially has turned heads, taking a combined 84 wickets across both formats to date.
It ultimately netted him the final list spot ahead of BBL|13 and the 23-year-old earned his debut game against the Hurricanes, taking two wickets including a gem of a delivery to dismiss the Canes’ power-hitter Ben McDermott.
Once the Big Bash fireworks settled, O’Neill was recognised for his stellar 2023/24 season by sweeping both Victoria’s best male player awards alongside Cricket Australia’s Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year award.
O’Neill said he didn’t sweat the decision to re-sign and was looking forward to building on an impressive first season on the primary list.
“Yeah, easy decision for me. We’re putting together a great squad with a mix of youth and experience so I’m excited at what we can achieve,” he said.
“I got a taste for Big Bash and loved it. I’m looking forward to hopefully being able to contribute more throughout this season where and when I can.
“Another pre-season is in the works, going well and feeling good. Trying to learn all I can from the some of the old Victorian heavies like Scotty Boland. That should hold me in good stead for hopefully another good season with the Vics and then with the Gades where we can hopefully win some silverware.”
After joining the squad just prior to WBBL|09, de Broughe slotted into the squad was quick to impress with her application and energy around the group.
The 23-year-old was quick to earn her debut, promoted to opener soon after where she showed plenty of promise and mount 89 runs from her five innings including a match-winning 42 against Brisbane in just her second go with the bat.
de Brough’s exceptional talent was recognized with the Cricket Australia’s Betty Wilson Young Player of the Year award as well as a spot in Australia A in the upcoming multi-format series against India.
After a promising start to her Big Bash career, de Broughe was looking forward to taking her game to a new level in WBBL|10.
“I’m very excited to sign with the Gades, it’s such an awesome group and I love being part of it,” de Broughe said.
“It was great to get some experience at the level last season. My time with the Gades helped me get in a more aggressive mindset and develop my power game further.
“I would love to have a big contribution towards team success this year and play any role that’s needed from me.”
Melbourne Renegades’ WBBL|10 Squad (to date):
Emma de Broughe, Sarah Coyte, Josie Dooley, Nicole Faltum, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Hayley Matthews, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Prestwidge, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb.
Melbourne Renegades BBL|14 Squad (to date):
Josh Brown, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Harry Dixon, Mackenzie Harvey, Nathan Lyon, Fergus O’Neill, Kane Richardson, Gurinder Sandhu, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Adam Zampa.
Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten, added:
“When you’re talking about the best emerging talent in Australian cricket right now it’s hard to look past Fergus and Emma,” Rosengarten said.
“Both enjoyed remarkable domestic seasons and to lock them away for at least the next couple of seasons is a huge boost and so important to what we’re building as a club,
“We’re going to enjoy sitting back and watch them develop in front of our eyes across the Big Bash.”
The pair’s recommitment continues a flurry of activity in that space for the Melbourne Renegades with more signings expected next week before the Academy ventures to Darwin for this year’s Top End Series.
Further international signings are also anticipated, including the Renegades’ selections at this year’s BBL and WBBL player drafts which date has been locked in for September 1.
