NSW Breakers captain Alex Blackwell
IT'S a base for national AFL and baseball teams, now Blacktown International Sportspark is home to a women's cricket team in the national league.
The NSW Breakers women's team will play their three rounds of home matches at Rooty Hill.
The Breakers season starts there this weekend against ACT Meteors in the local derby.
Two T20 games will be played on Friday and Sunday, while a 50-over match is on Saturday.
Most of the girls from both sides in action this weekend play Sydney grade cricket.
Home rounds will also be against Western Fury (November 24) and Tasmanian Roar (December 7).
The Breakers are looking to win their eighth straight 50-over title but are still searching for their first Twenty-20 crown after losing to Victoria by eight runs in the 2011-12 final.
Joanne Broadbent, who has taken over the helm as coach, spent seven years in charge of the Queensland women's side.
"I thought I had more to offer from a coaching perspective," Broadbent said.
"Our goal is to play top class cricket that appeals to the fans, whether it be taking wickets, hitting boundaries or great fielding."
Eight of the Breakers were part of Australia's T20 World Cup win.
"I've spoken to some of them since returning home and they are elated," Broadbent said.
"They now have to bring that form to T20 state level and back themselves in all skills."
The side will split their time between Rooty Hill and the Sydney Cricket Ground.
"The bulk of our training will be at the SCG but the girls will be coming here to make it their home," Broadbent said.
She hopes to see a big crowd at Blacktown International Sportspark this weekend.
"There are a lot of people who haven't seen women's cricket as it's not on free-to-air television much," she said.
"What I'd say to people is to not form an opinion until you've seen it.
"These girls have the brains of the professionals but are paid like amateurs."
The semi-finals and finals of the 50-over competition will also be held at Blacktown International Sportspark.