"We want to win games, we want to win this competition."
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Nathan McAndrew believes Sydney Thunder have what it takes to be a real contender in this season's Big Bash League.
The Oak Flats all-rounder, who is entering his fifth season with the club, recently penned a new two-year deal to stay with the Thunder.
Led by star batsman Usman Khawaja, McAndrew said Sydney could challenge for the BBL title.
"We definitely see ourselves as contenders," the 26-year-old said.
"It's something that we've talked about this season, probably more than in the past. We want to win games, we want to win this competition and it's something that we're not shying away from saying. I feel it's a really good attitude to adopt as a team. I think having Usman Khawaja in for the tournament is a huge bonus for us. He's an unbelievable player."
McAndrew has enjoyed a long association with the Thunder. He made his debut in 2015/16 - the season they won the title - alongside the likes of Mike Hussey and Shane Watson.
"I've been lucky to play with a lot of really, really class players over a number of years. No more than Shane Watson. He's obviously someone, in terms of the white ball format, who has gone to the absolute top of the game. I've learned an absolute tremendous amount from 'Watto'," he said.
"I've also learned from people like Mike Hussey and currently Callum Ferguson, who has stepped in as captain and is doing a really good job leading the group."
McAndrew played two games in his first season and added four more games to his name in 2018/19. Despite only playing six BBL matches, McAndrew said he felt great support to be offered a fresh two-year deal.
"I've been on one-year deals every other time," the Illawarra product said.
"As a sports player, it doesn't give you the greatest confidence always feeling like this could be your last opportunity. You put a lot of pressure on yourself to really take that moment.
"I think signing a two-year deal gives you a lot of confidence that the club sees something in you and they want to make it long term. It puts your mind at ease, you can go out and play. And it's probably a much better recipe for success."
2019 has already been a breakthrough year for McAndrew. In September, he made his debut when he was picked for NSW's Marsh One-Day Cup game against Queensland.
McAndrew said he had learnt a lot from training with the NSW squad and particularly working with bowling coach Andre Adams.
"It's something that I've been working towards for a number of years. It was definitely a really proud moment to pull on the NSW blue," he said.
"I think it probably sounds like a cop out because everyone says they had a good pre-season and felt like a better cricketer, but for me it was absolutely the case. I was definitely able to improve as a bowler under Andre Adams' guidance and I was able to take my game to the next level."
While he is enjoying his time at state level, McAndrew hasn't forgotten his roots. He recently enjoyed a return home to Oak Flats where he caught up with some great friends, who have become his supporters.
"I've got so many great memories growing up playing cricket at Oak Flats. There are so many great friends and relationships that I still have to this day," he said.
"I don't get down to see guys down at the club as much as I'd like to, it's obviously very difficult to get down there. But I got down there a couple of weeks ago when Oak Flats unveiled the new grandstand and change room area. I was able to catch up with a lot of guys that I used to play with and coaches who helped me along the way. It's always really special when you get down and see the people and realise how much support you have. It's pretty overwhelming."
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