Marlins to be major boost for aspiring talent

Excitement continues to build for the Coast’s foray into a new cricket league which is poised to play a “critical” role in the development of aspiring players.

Coastal Marlins co-founder Nick Fitzpatrick with Tewantin-Noosa club president and player Jarrod Officer. Picture: Tom Threadingham

Excitement continues to build for the Coast's foray into a new Twenty20 cricket league which is poised to play a "critical" role in the development of aspiring players.

The region's cricket scene will get a shake up this year as new team Coastal Marlins debut in the Brisbane Premier League's inaugural T20 cricket tournament.

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The Marlins will officially launch this Sunday at Buderim and will join seven other privately-owned franchises in the livestreamed and fast-pace competition.

It's set to cater for juniors as young as U12s through to seniors.

Tewantin/Noosa Cricket Club president and player Jarrod Officer lauded the competition's creation and said it was important for the region to have their own side in the Marlins.

"I think it's really exciting for local cricket on the Sunshine Coast," he said.

"It is important and I think it's critical particularly for junior cricket.

"There is really no platform for T20 cricket at the moment a part from a couple of games here and there.

"So, they're (Marlins) going to really provide that through all of the younger age groups."

The senior competition will be held over four weekends in August with the junior competition held over four days in September.

Similar to the Indian Premier League, an auction will be held at the Gabba on April 16 to select senior players using a fantasy salary cap.

A draft will be used to pick junior talent.

Co-founder of the Brisbane Premier League and Coastal Marlins Nick Fitzpatrick said the competition had been well received among the cricketing community.

"There is over 1200 players across seniors and juniors that have nominated into either the draft or auction," he said.

"The parents and players are all really excited.

"Having looked at the list of nominations all the best premier grade players and best local club players are in there, so it's been a great response."

Along with Fitzpatrick, Joel Hamilton from the Australian Cricket Institute, high-profile compensation lawyer Travis Schultz, local business owner Dylan Pinkstone, and surveyor Jared Pinkstone are also the brains behind the Marlins.

The Coastal Marlins will hold a special launch this Sunday at Kerry Emery Oval, off Syd Lingard Drive, in Buderim from 3-6pm.

Along with plenty of information about the Brisbane Premier League and Coastal Marlins there will be a game of T10 with some of the Sunshine Coast's best players and local celebrities.

"In between the two innings we're going to have some competitions for the kids," Fitzpatrick said.

"So, we will have a fastest bowling test, speed gun test and also a power hitting test."

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