Australian cricketer thrilled to be part of comp

By JAMIE HARO
MUDMEN’S newest inclusion Rhiann O’Donnell is making her mark in PNG cricket following the team’s first win against Mariners during the 2024 Isuzu Women’s T20 Smash at Amini Park on Saturday.
An experienced Australian cricketer, the 26-year-old is one of three female marquee players to be sponsored and supported through the PacificAus Sports programme to play in the domestic competition in Port Moresby.
“I’ve been playing professionally down in Victoria, based out of Melbourne now for seven years,” O’Donnell said.
“Super excited to get here (Port Moresby) and obviously experience something different, I guess see the depth of the cricket that is over here in Papua New Guinea.”
O’Donnell, who was named player of the match against the Mariners, starred for the Mudmen in their opening match scoring an impressive 64 off 48 balls and a wicket (1-19).
An experienced all-rounder who has made appearances for the Hobart Hurricanes and the Melbourne Renegades in the Australia Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), O’Donnell is looking forward to the three weekend tournament.
“I’ve been to Sri Lanka once, played a competition over there, which unfortunately got cut short but to be here, this is a pretty new experience,” she said.
“Looking forward to getting out in different conditions that we haven’t seen before and with new group of people. It’s really exciting. Obviously, we sort of saw a few of the girls who were getting ready for a centre wicket from the U19 spot (Siales) during training.
“The most exciting thing for them is that they have age on their side.”
She was looking to make the best during her stay in PNG with her inclusion in the team that’s currently being led by PNG Lewas veteran Tanya Ruma.
“At 26, these opportunities don’t come around as much so teaming up the Mudmen especially with young players, I hope I can do my part sharing my experience,” she said.
“Obviously, coming into a prime time for them too with a pretty big tournament around the corner which is great.”