Hurricanes’ determined new faces

THE Hobart Hurricanes have strengthened their WBBL list with two promising talents from rival clubs — and both aim to make an impact against Adelaide Strikers in the opening round this weekend.

Nicola Hancock and Stefanie Daffara, both 22, have moved to the Hobart Hurricanes for the WBBL|03 after stints with opposition teams.

Hancock was a part of the Melbourne Renegades squad for the first season of the WBBL and Daffara was with the Sydney Thunder the past two seasons.

Moving states is something Victorian Hancock has experience with after playing the last two seasons of the WNCL with the ACT Meteors.

“I was fortunate enough to be approached by them two years ago and I have enjoyed playing up there,” she said.

The all-rounder is hoping to develop her cricket with the Hurricanes this season and thinks her adaptability will make her valuable to the team.

“It’s a great opportunity for me and I heard the girls are a great group and that’s always good fun to be around,” she said.

“I think I might be a bit of a floater for the team. I will come in when needed with the bat and the ball.”

Daffara played her only game for the Thunder against the Hurricanes in the first season of the WBBL.

Originally from New South Wales, Daffara made the move to Hobart earlier this year to join the Tasmanian Roar.

“I wasn’t getting much opportunity at New South Wales so [coach] Julie Price called me and invited me to the team,” Daffara said. Having been batting at three or four for the Roar, Daffara is hoping to be doing a similar job for the Hurricanes.

The lure to play for the Roar was sweetened with the opportunity to also be put on Hobart’s list and it is an offer Daffara could not resist.

“I joined the Roar at the start of the season and that was mainly for opportunity,” she said.

“I guess everyone wants to play at that elite level. For me to be given this opportunity with the Hurricanes, it is kind of a no-brainer to move.”