Brisbane Heat have strengthened their pace-bowling options ahead of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2026-27 season by signing promising young Queensland fast bowler Catherine White to her first full WBBL contract.
The 19-year-old becomes the 15th player to join the Brisbane Heat squad for WBBL 12, marking an important milestone in her developing cricket career. White was associated with the franchise last season as a Local Replacement Player but did not get an opportunity to feature in a match. However, having impressed the coaching staff with her potential and pace, she has now earned a full-time place in the squad.
The young pacer also featured for Brisbane Heat in the pre-WBBL warm-up T20 Spring Challenge in Sydney last week, giving her another opportunity to gain experience within the team’s environment before the upcoming season. White’s signing comes after an encouraging start to her domestic career with Queensland. Representing the Queensland Fire, she made her Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) debut last month and continued to make an impression in her second appearance against New South Wales, claiming three wickets for 44 runs. Her performances have highlighted her potential as a developing fast bowler and strengthened her case for a place in the Brisbane Heat squad.
White also represents the Sunshine Coast Scorchers at the domestic level, continuing her progression through Queensland’s cricket pathway. Brisbane Heat head coach Mark Sorell expressed his delight at securing the youngster for her first full WBBL contract, praising her natural pace and willingness to improve. Sorell also acknowledged the influence of bowling coach Andy Bichel, who has been particularly impressed by White’s ability to bowl quickly and develop her skills around that strength. He added that the youngster had worked hard throughout her journey and that the franchise was confident she would continue to flourish in the WBBL environment.
Born and raised in Biggenden in the North Burnett region of Queensland, White’s cricketing journey began at an early age. Growing up alongside her twin brother Aeddan, she participated in junior sports across Childers and Bundaberg before progressing through the Queensland cricket pathway. Her talent was recognised while she was still in primary school, when she earned her first selection in a Queensland representative cricket team. White’s development was further supported when she received the 2024-25 Jodie Purves Young Cricketer Development Scholarship.
Awarded annually to a regional or rural female cricketer, the scholarship supports young players in balancing their cricketing ambitions with educational pursuits. She joins an impressive group of current Brisbane Heat and Queensland Fire players, including Charli Knott, Lucy Hamilton and Bonnie Berry, who have also previously received the scholarship. The youngster has additionally represented the Queensland Country Brolgas at the Toyota National Country Championships, gaining valuable exposure to competitive cricket beyond the state level.
The announcement adds another exciting young prospect to Brisbane Heat’s WBBL 12 squad as the franchise prepares for its opening fixture of the season. The Heat will begin their campaign with a home encounter against the Sydney Sixers this Friday at Allan Border Field, with the match scheduled to start at 6:10 pm Queensland time. Before the season opener, the franchise will host an opening training session for its members and supporters at Allan Border Field on Wednesday from 4 pm, offering fans an opportunity to see the squad prepare for the new campaign.
With White now earning her first full WBBL contract, the upcoming season presents an important opportunity for the teenager to make her mark at the highest level of domestic women’s T20 cricket. Brisbane Heat’s confirmed WBBL 12 signings include Georgia Redmayne (captain), Lily Bassingthwaighte, Bonnie Berry, Lucy Bourke, Sianna Ginger, Sarah Glenn (England), Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Charli Knott, Annie O’Neil, Grace Parsons, Orla Prendergast (Ireland), Catherine White and Mikayla Wrigley. The addition of White reflects the club’s continued investment in emerging Queensland talent as they look to build a competitive squad for WBBL 12.
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