The Melbourne Renegades have lost their spearhead before a ball is bowled. Jason Behrendorff will miss all of BBL 16 after undergoing shoulder surgery.
The 36-year-old left-armer stays contracted until BBL 17 and hopes to return next season. He will remain around the squad this summer, working with the bowlers and coaches. The club confirmed the news in their official announcement.
A thin attack gets thinner
This hurts because the Renegades’ pace stocks were already stretched. Andrew Tye has retired, and Adam Zampa left for the Hurricanes. Tom Rogers returns after missing all of last season with his own shoulder injury, and Brendan Doggett and Will Sutherland will carry more of the load.
Sam Elliott is another option after his four-wicket haul against the Scorchers last season. But Gurinder Sandhu, last season’s leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets, still has not re-signed.
The club will sign an injury replacement. The name to watch is Harry Hoekstra. The 20-year-old Victorian left-armer took a five-wicket haul in the One-Day Cup last month and 6-103 on Sheffield Shield debut. For experience, Jackson Bird, Hassan Ali, Luke Wood or Zaman Khan are all free.
Who will lead the Renegades attack now?
Tom Rogers returns from his own shoulder surgery, with Brendan Doggett, Will Sutherland and Sam Elliott filling in until the club signs an injury replacement. Keep an eye on 20-year-old Harry Hoekstra: a five-wicket haul in the One-Day Cup and 6-103 on Shield debut this month.
See Jonny Bairstow join the Renegades, meet the other BBL 2027 teams, and check when they play on the BBL 2027 schedule.
Last verified: 23 October 2026.