Former Australia fast bowler Peter Siddle has joined New South Wales (NSW) as bowling coach for the 2026-27 season, with Johan Botha also brought into the set-up as a spin consultant ahead of Brad Haddin’s first campaign in charge.
Siddle, 41, will work with the NSW Blues during their Sheffield Shield campaign while remaining part of the Melbourne Stars squad for the upcoming Big Bash League season.
He joins Peter Forrest and Daniel Smith in Haddin’s coaching team as NSW prepare for a new era under their former Australia wicketkeeper.
Siddle spent the majority of his state career with Victoria and also represented Tasmania for three seasons. The veteran pacer also won two Sheffield Shield titles with Victoria and played an important mentoring role for the state’s emerging fast bowlers during the latter stages of his career.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the NSW Blues this season,” Siddle said. “I’m very much looking forward to the opportunity to mentor this talented crop of players ahead of what will be a massive summer. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Botha, meanwhile, has joined NSW temporarily after stepping down as Queensland coach earlier this year.
Haddin welcomed the additions, saying the appointments reflected NSW’s intention to surround the squad with experienced and high-quality coaching personnel.
“Peter and Johan joining the Blues set-up shows that we’re committed to having high-quality people around the team,” Haddin said. “Not only does Peter bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, but he exemplifies how we want our cricketers to play the game.”
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NSW boast considerable pace resources despite the limited availability of Australia’s premier Test quicks Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who rarely feature in state cricket because of international commitments.
Their bowling stocks include experienced campaigners Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis, Liam Hatcher, emerging quick Ryan Hadley and all-rounder Jack Edwards. Hatcher is also part of the Australia A squad for the upcoming tour of India.
The Blues will begin their 2026-27 season with a One-Day Cup clash against Queensland on September 22 before opening their Sheffield Shield campaign against Tasmania on October 8.
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