Ashley Noffke Departs Queensland Cricket for Otago Coaching Role

Ashley Noffke, a highly respected coach in Australian cricket, has made a significant career move by leaving his roles with Queensland's WNCL team, Brisbane Heat in the WBBL, and UP Warriorz in the WPL to take up a new coaching position with the Otago men's team in New Zealand.

Noffke's departure marks a continuation of coaching changes within Queensland cricket, following the departure of Wade Seccombe from the men's team and Heat despite their BBL title victory. Noffke was considered a strong candidate for those roles before Johan Botha was appointed.

Mark Sorell, who previously coached the Australian women's team from 2005-2007, has been named as Noffke's replacement for both Queensland and Heat on a one-season contract.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me in my coaching journey," Noffke said of his move to Otago. "The Volts and Otago Cricket are on the cusp of something special, and I'm keen to be part of that."

Noffke took on the Heat and Queensland coaching roles in 2019-20, leading the Heat to a WBBL title in his first season and guiding Queensland to its inaugural WNCL title in 2020-21.

"It's bittersweet to be leaving the Fire and the Heat," he said in a Queensland Cricket statement. "I'm excited about what lies ahead, especially working in a new program, but there are a lot of good memories from my time in Queensland."

Noffke, who starts with Otago later this month, will continue as coach of London Spirit in the Women's Hundred this season before resuming the pre-season back in New Zealand.

Queensland and Heat captain Jess Jonassen acknowledged the recent coaching changes but expressed confidence in the teams' ability to handle the transition.

"We've undergone some change throughout the off season and to have 'Motsa' [Sorrell] commit to the head coach position is a great way to provide our group with some stability moving forward," she said. "He is extremely experienced and brings a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm to the role. I'm excited to see him dive in and continue to challenge the group."

Tags: #AshleyNoffke, #QueenslandCricket, #OtagoCricket, #WBBL, #WNCL