Former Queensland coach Johan Botha is also joining the Blues staff ahead of the 2026-27 season
Brad Haddin has made a big move ahead of his first season as NSW men’s coach, adding fellow former Australian Peter Siddle and former Queensland coach Johan Botha to his staff for 2026-27.
Siddle has been signed as fast bowling coach and will be a strong presence in the Blues’ lineup throughout the season, including all Sheffield Shield matches.
Meanwhile, Botha has joined as interim bowling consultant as NSW prepares for the start of the season, which begins with a One Day Cup match against his former side on September 22.
Former South Africa captain He resigned from his coaching position at Queensland In June despite having another year on his contract, he told News Corp last month that the way it ended was “disappointing”.
“I thought we were doing good things, and the people at the top clearly didn’t think so,” Botha added.
Former Australia and Queensland player James Hobbs has since been appointed as the new Bulls and Heat head coach, while Botha recently led the NT Strike in the Darwin’s Top End T20 tournament and joined the Netherlands coaching group as part of the ODI World Cup qualifiers.
Hadden said in a statement: “The addition of Peter and Johan to the Blues squad shows that we are committed to having high-quality people around the team.”
“Not only does Peter bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, he embodies how we want our cricketers to play the game.
He added: “We are confident that we have built a fully integrated coaching team ahead of what should be an exciting season for the Blues.”
The pair join an expanded Blues coaching staff under Haddin which also includes new assistants Peter Forrest and Daniel Smith.
Siddle retired from first-class and 50-over cricket in March last year, but continues to play in T20 leagues around the world, including with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.
The 41-year-old still regularly reaches speeds above 140km/h and has been one of the standout stars over the past two seasons with 28 wickets, earning him a one-year extension with KFC BBL|16.
Siddle had previously expressed an interest in pursuing a coaching career, helping guide Victoria’s surging attack during his final seasons in state cricket. This appointment will be one of his first formal coaching roles since his retirement.
“I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to mentor this talented group of players ahead of what will be a tremendous summer,” Seidel said.
Siddle won two Sheffield Shield titles with Victoria during a playing career that spanned more than two decades, retiring with 792 first-class wickets, the most Australian wickets since Michael Kasprowicz finished with 959 in 2008.
Siddle also represented his country on 89 occasions (67 Tests for 221 wickets) before retiring from international cricket in 2019.
