Haddin adds ex-Aussie teammate to his NSW coaching team

Brad Haddin has made a major move ahead of his first season as NSW men's coach, adding former Australian teammate Peter Siddle and ex-Queensland coach Johan Botha to his staff for 2026-27.

Siddle has signed on as fast bowling coach and will have a strong presence around the Blues group throughout the season, including all Sheffield Shield matches.

Botha, meanwhile, has joined as a temporary spin bowling consultant as NSW prepares for the start of the season, which begins with a One-Day Cup match against his former team on September 22.

The former South African captain resigned from his Queensland coaching role in June despite having another year to run on his contract, telling News Corp last month it was "disappointing the way it ended".

"I think we were doing good stuff, and obviously the people at the top didn’t think that," Botha added.

Former Australia and Queensland allrounder James Hopes has since been appointed the new Bulls and Heat head coach, while Botha recently led NT Strike in Darwin's Top End T20 tournament and joined Netherlands' coaching group as part of their ODI World Cup qualification push.

"Peter and Johan joining the Blues set-up shows that we're committed to having high-quality people around the team," Haddin said in a statement.

"Not only does Peter bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, but he exemplifies how we want our cricketers to play the game.

"We're confident we have built a well-rounded coaching team ahead of what should be an exciting season for the Blues."

The pair join an expanded Blues coaching team under Haddin that also features 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 franchise leagues around the world, including with Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.

The 41-year-old still regularly hits speeds above 140kph and has been one of the Stars' best over the past two seasons with 28 wickets, earning him a one-year extension for KFC BBL|16.

Siddle previously flagged his interest in pursuing a career in coaching, helping to mentor Victoria's rising pace attack during his final seasons of state cricket. This appointment will be one of his first official coaching roles since his retirement.

"I'm very much looking forward to the opportunity to mentor this talented crop of players ahead of what will be a massive summer," Siddle said.

Siddle won two Sheffield Shield titles with Victoria during a playing career that has spanned more than two decades, retiring with 792 first-class wickets, which is the most by an Australia fast bowler 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.

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