Former Australian coach, Ashley Noffke, is taking over the coaching roles for the Heat and Fire as he departs Queensland Cricket. Noffke, who was named Weber WBBL coach of the year for two consecutive years, will be leaving his positions in Fire and Heat this week to become the head coach of Otago men’s team in New Zealand.
The departure of Noffke marks the second coaching change for Queensland this off-season, following the resignation of Wade Seccombe earlier in the year. Mark Sorell, the former coach of the Australian women’s team, will be stepping in to replace Noffke after serving as an assistant coach for Fire and Heat for the past five years.
During his time as the head coach, Noffke led the Heat to a WBBL title in his first season and guided Queensland to their first Women’s National Cricket League title. Despite finishing as runners-up in both WBBL|09 and WNCL, Noffke’s coaching prowess has been recognized on various platforms, including coaching London Spirit in The Hundred and being an assistant coach for UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League.
Looking ahead to his new role with Otago, Noffke expressed mixed emotions about leaving the Fire and Heat but is eager to embark on a new challenge. His departure has been met with understanding from the players, with captain Jess Jonassen expressing confidence in Mark Sorell’s ability to lead the team forward.
Courtney Winfield-Hill, a former Fire and Heat pace bowler, will be rejoining the Heat’s coaching team alongside Sorell. The Fire have also announced their 2024-25 contract list, welcoming new additions like Lauren Winfield-Hill, Mikayla Wrigley, Lucinda Bourke, and Lily Bassingthwaite for the upcoming season.
The transition in coaching staff is seen as an opportunity for growth and stability within the team, with players and management looking forward to the upcoming season under new leadership. The legacy left by Noffke in Queensland will be remembered, as the team prepares for a new chapter with Sorell at the helm.