A former Western Australia captain is returning to the Rockingham-Mandurah Mariners ahead of the upcoming Premier Cricket season.
Sam Whiteman made his debut for the Mariners in 2007-08 at just 15, going on to represent Australia at youth level before becoming a mainstay of WA’s Sheffield Shield side, scoring more than 7000 runs in 128 First Class matches.
He was a key figure in WA’s historic Sheffield Shield three-peat from 2021-22 to 2023-24, scoring centuries and being named man of the match in the first and third finals.
He also captained the side for the second and third Shield victories.
Whiteman stepped down as captain at the end of last season after signing with Yorkshire in England’s county cricket system as a local player because he was born in England.
He will remain with Western Australia as an overseas player.
The Mariners teased the announcement online as “one of the biggest signings in Rockingham-Mandurah District Cricket Club history”.
“Sam’s return is more than just another signing, it’s a statement,” the club said in a Facebook post. “A statement that this club is building something special.
“His experience, professionalism and leadership will strengthen our playing group, while providing invaluable guidance to the next generation of Mariners coming through our pathway. To welcome back a player of Sam’s calibre is a huge moment for our club, our members, our sponsors and our supporters.
“Welcome home, Sam. The future is looking bright.”
Whiteman represented Fremantle in Premier Cricket last season, guiding the Port Boys to the semifinals.
His most recent innings was a one-day match for Yorkshire against Hove in county cricket, when he scored 74 in a 184-run victory.
Whiteman could slot straight into the top of the order for the Mariners after Teague Wyllie, who also debuted for the club at 15, lost his State contract with WA and moved to Tasmania in search of new opportunities.
The Mariners have also announced former WA and Adelaide Strikers spinner Liam O’Connor as their specialist spin coach for the 2026-27 season.
O’Connor worked with the club’s young spinners last season and is excited to build on that to support the next stage of their development.
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