NSW will relish the burden of expectation as they seek to extend an unrivalled streak of women's one-day cricket dominance.
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The Breakers have won 19 of 22 women's National Cricket League (WNCL) titles, including 10 in a row between 2005-06 and 2014-15.
The WNCL starts on Friday, when NSW face Queensland on the Gold Coast, and runs until February 9. The defending champions will again start favourites.
"You don't want to be the skipper to let (the team's record) down," Alyssa Healy told reporters, having been appointed NSW captain following the retirement of veteran Alex Blackwell.
"It is daunting but at the same time it's a good incentive, to keep it going.
"Every year the squad we pick gets together and we're always more determined to maintain that legacy and successful history."
Healy, preparing to take the next step in a career that has already featured more than 140 appearances for Australia, has picked the brains of Blackwell, Belinda Clark and other NSW greats.
"Belinda Clark gave me some pretty good advice: make sure you get some people around you that can help with the weaker side of your leadership," Healy said.
"For me, that's probably the serious side. I've got some great people around me like Ellyse Perry and Rachael Haynes."
The early signs are that leadership sits just fine with Healy, who scored 154 in a pre-season clash with South Australia.
"I haven't had to change anything. It's been amazing," Healy said.
"Alex set the platform.
"They're some pretty big shoes to fill but for me it's just about capitalising on the work she's done."
Victorian Jess Duffin, who continues to juggle cricket and AFLW commitments, will make her Queensland debut against the Breakers.
Victoria, who clash with Western Australia in Perth on Friday, loom as one of NSW's biggest threats.
The Vics will be led by national captain Meg Lanning, the world's best batter who missed the past summer following shoulder surgery, while star opener Elyse Villani has returned home after three seasons with WA.
The opening WNCL round will serve as a timely tune-up for the international season, which starts with Australia's Twenty20 against New Zealand at North Sydney Oval on Saturday week.
Australian Associated Press
