Dominic Thornely steps aside as NSW Breakers head coach

Dominic Thornely has stepped aside from his role as the head coach of New South Wales (NSW) Breakers, bringing an end to his two-year stint, it was announced on Wednesday (April 28). He will take up a new role in the Male Pathway of NSW.



Under Thornely, Breakers were the runners-up in the Women’s National Cricket League in 2019-20 and finished fourth in 2020-21.



“As a coach, it is important to experience a broad range of coaching opportunities,” said Thornely, after the announcement.



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.”



“I enjoy working in an organisation such as CNSW that provides such a diverse range of career opportunities.”



Leah Poulton, the NSW Head of Women’s Cricket, was pleased with what Thornely left behind after being with the Breakers unit for four years.



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“I would like to thank Dom for his contribution to the Breakers program,” said Poulton.



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



Thornely took over in 2019, after Joanne Broadbent stepped down after seven years in-charge. He was the Breakers’ assistant coach for a couple of years before the elevation as the head coach.



“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,” said Greg Mail, NSW Head of Cricket.



“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.”