She's the "streetfighter" and "scrapper" who has traded in the rough and tumble of rugby union for the wicketkeeping gloves.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Former Australian Shooting Stars squad member Rebecca Maher will make her debut for the ACT Meteors in the Women's National Cricket League series against South Australia in Adelaide, starting Friday.
The 26-year-old Riverina product played for the ACT women's team in the second-tier CA Cup, but took a break from the sport at the same time the Meteors were admitted to the top division.
Maher has spent the past five years playing with the Queanbeyan Whites in the women's rugby union competition as well as representing the ACT at the national championships, alongside Australian stars Sharni Williams and Kristy Giteau.
A stint in club cricket with North Canberra last year sparked Maher's interest in returning while she is also playing in the Sydney grade competition.
Maher is eager to get involved in a Meteors side that made the final of last season's Twenty20 competition.
The Meteors also feature Australian Southern Stars fast bowler Rene Farrell and New Zealand duo Nicola Browne and Sara McGlashan.
"I can't wait. I'm stoked to be back and I'm looking forward to it," Maher said. "I played a little bit of club cricket last year and got the itch again. I've really enjoyed it."
Meteors coach Andrew Dawson approached Maher in May to see if she was interested in making a comeback.
Dawson believes Maher's tenacious approach and willingness not to take a backward step fits in perfectly with the team culture he is trying to build.
"She's a real streetfighter and a scrapper. It's that country attitude that I really like," Dawson said.
"She likes to give as good as she gets. It's something in the Meteors program, that we've lacked a bit of that.
"Having a bit more of an attitude that [captain] Kris Britt has driven in the group and having more players in the group with that attitude is critical."
Maher grew up in the small town of Adelong in the Riverina region of NSW before moving to Canberra when she was 17, earning selection in the Australian Shooting Stars squad.
She made a quick transition to rugby union, making her mark at scrum half in both the 15-a-side and sevens competitions.
"I used to enjoy the physicallity of rugby, but now I'm a little bit older I try to steer clear of it," Maher said. "It's time to hang them up.
"Cricket's always been my number one sport and it's great to be back."
