The Twenty20 format may divide cricket pundits around the world, but it could prove the best pathway for Wollongong girl Stef Daffara as she chases her sporting dream.

The 20-year-old University of Wollongong student has been announced as the third signing for Sydney Thunder ahead of the inaugural Women's Big Bash League tournament.

She joins Southern Stars veterans Alex Blackwell and Rene Farrell on the Thunder's roster.

Daffara began playing cricket as a youngster at Dapto High School, and was soon recognised as one of the country's most promising up-and-comers.

She represented NSW at under 15 and then under 18 level, before gaining a spot in the Breakers' development squad.

For the past two years she has been a full-time state squad member, but is yet to break into the team for her Women's National Cricket League debut.

She believes the new competition can finally get her called up to NSW.

"It's a dream come true really, to play alongside Australian players and play at that sort of level," Daffara said. "It gives more opportunity for girls like me, the younger players, to play and be seen by the selectors.

"It's a good format to have that exposure.

"The competitiveness of the [Breakers] squad ... some of the girls have been there 10 years, [but] we've had a couple of retirees and some move state, so this season might be my big opportunity."

The Thunder will kick off their inaugural WBBL campaign against local rivals Sydney Sixers, at Spotless Stadium on December 6, in a tournament that follows the men's BBL competition.

Daffara believes the introduction of the WBBL will enhance women's cricket's standing in the Australian sporting landscape.

"It's massive exposure, hopefully more people come out to watch the girls and see just how good we really are," Daffara said. "The standard is quite high so it's great to see the women's game getting bigger.

"Australia is probably leading the way in that."

Daffara's selection in the Thunder squad follows an announcement from Cricket NSW of a new Twenty20 regional competition hitting the calendar this year.

The inaugural Regional Bash will kick off on October 11, and comprise 16 teams region-wide.

The Illawarra Flames and South Coast Crew will battle it out with teams from the Central and North Coast, Central West and Riverina.

The Flames begin their campaign at North Dalton Park against Central Coast Rush on November 1.