Northern Territory Cricket is proud to announce that four Territorians will compete at the 2026 Women’s National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC).
Rita Tomlins (Arrernte/Warlpiri), Kiarra Tilmouth (Arrernte), Devena Lankin (Laritja) and Talayah Kunoth (Arrernte) have all been selected as part of a combined team alongside members from South Australia and Papua New Guinea, playing under the banner of the South Australian ‘Desert Peas’.
As one of four State/Territories who are unable to field a stand-alone side, the opportunity to nominate several Territorians to compete at the NICC will provide valuable experience and exposure in Cricket Australia’s elite Indigenous development pathway.
A key driver of this opportunity has been the growth of women’s cricket throughout the Territory, led by Alice Springs Cricket Association and the ‘Imparja Television Women’s Community Division’. The 33rd annual Imparja Cup saw 7 teams compete – up from 4 in 2025 – and alongside participation and representation benefits, the Division has provided a clear pathway for Indigenous women and girls across the Territory.
Within the Imparja Cup, all four played a key role for the Golden Girls (Kiarra, Devena and Talayah) and Wicket Sistas (Rita), with both sides making the grand final.
NT Head of Cricket Nick Winter:
“The opportunity for these four women reflects a lot of hard work by a lot of different stakeholders, and credit must go to those players, volunteers and administrators within the Alice Springs community who are driving a resurgence in Women’s Indigenous cricket”
“With only one nomination for NICC women last year, the growth in 2026 shows Indigenous Cricket is heading in the right direction. We hope the exposure for these four women not only has personal benefits, but helps inspire more Indigenous women (and future generations) to reach the national level”.
The team that will travel to Yuwibara Country (Mackay, Queensland) to compete in Cricket Australia’s National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) from 14–19 April 2026.