Konst4s: Sam signs 4-year extension

Sam’s extension announcement comes on the same day BBL|15 tickets go on sale to the public. From 10am today, click here to join Sam and Thunder at ENGIE Stadium or Corroboree Group Manuka Oval this summer. 

At just 19 years of age, Konstas already boasts a record-breaking Big Bash debut, an Under-19 World Cup winner’s medal, and a maiden Baggy Green earned during last summer’s Border-Gavaskar series.

His Thunder debut last summer was nothing short of spectacular, blasting 56 runs off 27 balls to set a new club record for the fastest half-century and become the youngest player in BBL history to reach the milestone.

A lifelong Thunder fan who grew up attending games at ENGIE Stadium (formerly Sydney Showground Stadium), Konstas said the new deal is still as surreal as his first contract.

“I remember being a fan in the stands watching my heroes like Davey [Warner], Michael Hussey and Andre Russell play for Thunder, so to extend for another four seasons is very exciting,” Konstas said.

“Batting with Davey [Warner] last season was a great learning opportunity for me because he’s very strategic in the way that he goes about things. I felt like I had a lot of clarity and freedom to play my game. 

“We’ve got an exciting group again which now includes Shadab [Khan]... I feel like this is the year we’re going to dominate.” 

On what he’s most looking forward to this summer, Konstas said: 

“I just try to enjoy it – and I want that to inspire kids. I want to give back as much as I can, whether that’s signing autographs or getting out into the community.

“One match that always stands out in the calendar is the Sydney Smash. When we beat the Sixers in the finals last season, I made sure to rub it in with a few of the Aussie boys who play for them. It’s always competitive, and fun, and I’m sure it’ll be a sell-out this year.”

Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said Konstas’ commitment was a major statement for the club’s future. 

“This contract extension is one of the easiest decisions we’ve made,” Copeland said.

“Since I started in this role, it’s been remarkable to watch Sam’s progression. This time last year he hadn’t played a BBL match, and to go from that to breaking records on debut – alongside his growth across other formats – shows just how far he’s come. 

“This deal is huge in terms of tenure, and we see it as part of a journey that will hopefully make him a Thunder player for life. 

“This extension not only rewards Sam’s progression and his lifelong love of the club, but also tells our fans that when we have talent, we’re going to do our best to keep them in Thunder colours. 

“Bring on the trophy this season, with Sam right there alongside Davey Warner and the boys lifting it up.” 

Sydney Thunder KFC BBL|15 squad to date:   
Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG) Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan (PAK), Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner.  

KFC BBL|15 tickets go on sale at 10am today! Click here to lock in your seat at ENGIE Stadium or Corroboree Group Manuka Oval.