Skipper Nicholson to head back to Sydney
Major blow for WNBL champions Townsville Fire
It’s always been a dream … to come back to Sydney Flames
Lauren Nicholson Townsville Fire captain
The Townsville Fire’s championship-winning captain, Lauren Nicholson, has sensationally walked out on the club after three seasons.
Townsville were unable to entice off-contract Nicholson to stay at the club despite reaching two grand finals in the past three years.
Nicholson will join her former club the Sydney Flames – who last season won only six games – on a three-year deal starting in 2023.
After being named captain last year, Nicholson emerged as one of Australia’s most dominant defensive shooting guards and was often tasked with the toughest assignments while managing to shoot more than 15 points per game at 47 per cent – and 50 per cent from long range.
Nicholson joins talented Australian Opals captain and former Melbourne Boomers player Tess Magden in defecting to the Flames.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to come back to Sydney and play for my hometown Flames, as it gives all my friends and family the chance to watch me play each week,” Nicholson said.
“Over the past few years, I’ve heard plenty of good things about the direction of the organisation and where they want to take basketball in Sydney,– which is great to see as a person who grew up here.”
Nicholson won the WNBL17 championship with the Flames and returned home to Sydney to play for the Sutherland Sharks in NBL1, where she has averaged 27.6 points per game.
Nicholson hoped to win back-to-back titles despite leaving the dominant force of the WNBL.
“The goal at the start of every season is to win a championship and I’ve been lucky enough to win two now, but I’d love to win another with my hometown,” Nicholson said.
“Experience, especially at this high level, is invaluable and I’ll be happy to share and help our new look as much as I can to achieve the ultimate prize.
“As well as that, I’m confident I can bring playmaking, shooting and ability to play both ends of the court – I’ve been known for my defence for a while now and hope to continue to grow that and all other elements of my game in the years to come.”
The Fire announced the news online on Thursday.
“The JCU Townsville Fire would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to Lauren Nicholson our captain for the past three seasons,” the statement read.
“Her exceptional skills, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in the success and growth of our club. Under her guidance and direction, we have achieved many significant milestones, and her contributions will not be forgotten.
“It is with great regret that we announce that Lauren has decided not to return for the upcoming season. Although this is a significant loss for our team, we fully respect and understand her decision, and we wish her the very best for all her future endeavours.
“We want to thank Lauren for her hard work, passion, and devotion to our team and to this region extend our best wishes to her for the future.”
Townsville’s vice-captains Mikaela Ruef and Steph Reid have already signed contracts with the Fire for next season.