NSW Breakers part ways with coach Thornely

One of Australia's most successful domestic sporting teams is on the hunt for a new head coach, after the New South Wales Breakers announced they had parted ways with Dominic Thornely.

Thornely had been at the helm of the Breakers for the last two domestic one-day seasons, since taking over the job from former Australia player Joanne Broadbent.

He will now take on a role within the NSW male pathway, the organisation announced on Wednesday.

A replacement will be appointed in due course, with current assistant and Sydney Sixers head coach Ben Sawyer one potential candidate for the position.

Cricket NSW Head of Female Cricket Leah Poulton said Thornely had laid a strong foundation for future success.

"Dom has worked as both an Assistant and Head Coach over the past four seasons and over that time he has overseen the development of our next generation of athletes," Poulton said.

"He leaves the program with strong foundations and I wish him well in his future endeavours."

The Breakers, who have won 20 titles across 25 Women's National Cricket League seasons, finished runners-up to Western Australia in 2019-20, and fourth in 2020-21.

It was the first time NSW had missed the tournament final, as they underwent a rebuilding period following the retirements of key senior players in recent seasons, while facing an unprecedented level of competition across rival states thanks to the professionalisation of the domestic women's game in Australia.

Cricket NSW Head of Cricket Greg Mail said the organisation was always looking to improve and strengthen all their teams on and off the field.

"Like we do every season we have reviewed all of our elite programs and as part of that concluded that it was important that Dom's expertise was not lost to the organisation, and that his skillset is best suited to contributing in the Male Pathways area," Mail said.

"He may not have achieved everything he set out to do with the Breakers but his coaching career continues to develop.

"Dom will start his new role with a focus on developing young talent in Country NSW and we are really excited to see the impact he can make."

Thornely said the change would give him a chance to develop another aspect of his coaching.

"As a coach, it is important to experience a broad range of coaching opportunities," Thornely said. 

"I have really enjoyed my time in the Female programme but the one area I haven't had an opportunity to explore is the Male Pathway.

"I believe my playing experiences will compliment my coaching background in this role and I look forward to the challenge of developing future Test cricketers."