Green Shield cricket preview 2023/24: The ultimate guide to the clubs and U16s players
Featuring all 20 NSW Premier Cricket clubs and more than 300 of the state’s best U16 cricketers, this month sees the return of the AW Green Shield. Meet all the clubs and 90+ stars to watch.
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From Sunday, December 17, the state’s top aspiring cricketers will take to the fields of Sydney in the annual battle for the prestigious AW Green Shield.
A stepping stone for Australian Test legends such as Pat Cummins and Steve Smith, the highly regarded under-16 competition is widely considered the best of its type in the world.
Featuring sides from all 20 NSW Premier Cricket clubs, the six-week competition includes seven preliminary rounds and a top-eight finals series with the winner decided in the grand final on Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Once again, reigning premiers Parramatta will take some stopping, but with so many new faces among the squads there promises to be plenty of surprises.
Meet the 300 youngsters gearing up for action.
BANKSTOWN
Captain: Riley Collison
Coaches: Jehan Bilimoria, Ben Le Bas
Players to watch: They may not be the Waugh brothers, but the Bean twins of Josh and Luke still pack plenty of punch. Josh is developing his off-spin in fifth grade while Luke, an all-rounder, brings solid form after hitting 73 in local cricket. Entering his third season of Green Shield, skipper Riley Collison is an aggressive right-hand opener and the squad’s first choice keeper.
North Coast all-rounder Taylor Gilbert returns to Bankstown’s top order and he could also prove a handful with his deceptive swing. Cooper McMahon has already batted in fourth grade, while unheralded Wollongong recruit Lucas Kay has been quietly going about his business in the Illawarra. In the space of seven days during November, the right-hand opener followed two centuries in school cricket with another on the local scene.
Why they will be competitive: Coach Jehan Bilimoria was wary of making bold predictions, but was quick to point out that eight members of the squad have featured in the grade ranks this season. With a strong contingent of spinners and top order bats, Bankstown will provide stiff competition.
Squad list: Ethan Ball, Josh Bean, Luke Bean, Thomas Budge, Riley Collison, Sam Cordingley, Taylor Gilbert (country), Lucas Kay, Talha Khalid, Cooper McMahon, Jackson Moore, Lachlan Plowes, Kostas Saisanas, Ben Smith, Lachlan Snell
Last season finish: 12th
Number of titles: 15 – 1962/63, 1964/65, 1965/66, 1969/70, 1982/83, 1988/89, 1990/91, 1998/99, 1999/00 (as Bankstown-Canterbury), 2002/03, 2003/04, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2013/14, 2014/15
BLACKTOWN MOUNTIES
Captain: Sajith Kundar
Coach: Matt Mortimer
Players to watch: Blacktown captain Sajith Kundar is a genuine pace bowling all-rounder who delivered respectable returns last season. Currently at Trinity Grammar School, the stylish right-hander recently hit an unbeaten 140 in the CAS competition. Country recruit Blake Hutchinson is a right-arm quick with Penrith origins. One of the taller members of the squad, Blake is currently playing second grade for Queanbeyan and has represented ACT U16s.
Top order batter Vivaan Bhosdale is climbing the local the ranks, still only 14, the confident free-flowing right-hander also bowls handy medium pace. Aditya Tiwari is a hard working opener who loves a challenge, recently scored 51 in fifth grade and was rewarded with a spot in fourths.
With a hint of swagger, Newcastle’s Austin Berry promises to entertain. Bowls useful spin, and is a real danger when seeing them like beach balls.
Why they will be competitive: Coach Matt Mortimer likes what he sees and believes the squad is capable of playing finals. With the majority already in the grade system, there’s firepower with the willow and a healthy mix of pace and spin to challenge the opposition.
Squad list: Jett Attard, Austin Berry (country), Vyvhaan Bhargava, Vivaan Bhosdale, Ashton Haycock, Blake Hutchinson (country), Josh Jurgeit, Sajith Kundar, Rajveer Masrani, Sarrim Murad, Ryan Sharma, Daniel Sinclair, Nimit Singh, Aditya Tiwari, Thenuk Wijesekara
Last season finish: 13th
Number of titles: None
CAMPBELLTOWN CAMDEN
Captains: Sparsh Soni, Rishab Luthra
Coach: Mitchell Calder
Players to watch: After showing promise last season, Sparsh Soni and Rishab Luthra return to lead the Ghosts’ charge. A keen gloveman, Soni opened the season with 92 in fifth grade and is now a regular in fourths. Consistent with bat and ball last summer, Luthra has also tasted grade and the leg-spinning all-rounder looks primed for a breakout campaign.
Opener Andrew Daley and Harshil Kakkar have been fine tuning their game locally, while with the ball, quicks Mohammed Aydin and Fawwaz Hossain will be out to enhance their reputations.
Backup keeper Jack Jobson is one to keep an eye on. Still only 15, he’s a powerhouse with the stick and already has a grade fifty to his name.
Why they will be competitive: Coming off the disappointment of last season, the Ghosts have added strength in key areas and remain on target to climb the ladder. As part of their build up, the squad is set to benefit after training alongside the seniors.
Squad list: Avanindra Sikarwar, Mohammed Aydin, Subhash Gadde, Fawwaz Hossain, Winston Kennedy, Rishab Luthra, Samuel Holz (country), Sparsh Soni, Jack Jobson, Sachin Weerasinghe (country), Andrew Daley, Harshil Kakkar, Joshua Garner, Tiger Brocking
Last season finish: 18th
Number of titles: Four – 1995/96 (as Campbelltown), 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07 (as Campbelltown-Camden)
EASTERN SUBURBS
Captain: Aston Weir
Coach: Mark Morley
Players to watch: Aston Weir returns to the Dolphins squad after delivering last season, where the all-rounder contributed nine wickets and hit more than 130 runs. Rising left-arm wrist spinner Yash Gule had a taste of first grade action in the Sydney Shires competition last summer, and this season has successfully transitioned to Easts’ fifth grade.
With the new ball, Waverley College student Henry Read has delivered a handful of economical spells in the CAS ranks where he’s a regular wicket-taker. Rehaab Afzaal is poised to opening the innings, and is one to watch after averaging over 25 in his six appearances in fourth grade.
Why they will be competitive: After making the finals last year and with at least five players returning, Easts are confident of another strong showing.
Squad list: Aston Weir, Harrison Dunn, Archer Platt, Hamish Teasdale, Henry Read, Matthew Highman, Noah Gaussen, Rehaab Afzaal, Riley Weir, Timothy Molnar, Yash Ghule, William Livissianis, Jack Flintoft, Edward Shand, Harper Cole
Last season finish: 7th
Number of titles: Five – 1943/44, 1952/53, 1963/64, 1976/77 (all known as Waverley) and 2019/20
FAIRFIELD-LIVERPOOL
Captain: Yash Deshmukh
Coach: Mitch Yearsley
Players to watch: Since turning out for the Lions last year, right-arm leggie Yash Deshmukh has kicked on this season with several quality returns in third grade and a run in seconds. With the bat, the state pathways rep likes to get on with the job.
Macksville all-rounder Quinn Copper is back for another stint. The gifted left-hander has represented Country and provides variation with his right-arm leg-spin.
At the top of the order, Yash Singh is shaping up for a decent campaign. Reliable against the new ball, earlier this season he steadied the ship in fifth grade with a patient 56 against Wests. Kings School student Ahan Vinod will keep wickets and bring class to the top order.
Why they will be competitive: Fairfield-Liverpool have finished towards the bottom of the table over the past two seasons. But with eight players better for last year’s experience and a reputation for nurturing junior talent, the Lions are expecting to turn the corner.
Squad list: Yash Deshmukh, Yash Singh, Harshit Reddy Naga, Hrehan Shah, Amitoj Kalsi, Osman Tawakal, Paarth Sharma, Aswath Suman, Quinn Cooper, Benett Kattakayam, Ryan Rajesh, Jack Lehner, Mahir Patel, Ahan Vinod
Last season finish: 19th
Number of titles: Two – 1993/94, 2012/13
GORDON
Captain: Toby Robinson
Coaches: Nick Miller, Matt Wright
Players to watch: Captain Toby Robinson enters his third season of Green Shield and brings good form having scored a mountain of runs for Shore in the GPS competition. Scored a century for Gordon last season and should relish the opportunity to stabilise the innings.
All-rounder Vivaan Gandhi is recognised for his economical efforts with the ball and will be out to replicate last season’s stunning 5-23 against Randwick-Petersham. Country recruits Tyler McInnes (Newcastle) and Cooper Pullen (Cowra) are another two dangers with both bat and ball. While among a well balanced attack, Tom Fuzes and Campbell Smith have been flagged as the Stags’ key bowlers.
Year-8 Knox student Sean Twining is a rising gloveman and classy batter blessed with a heap of natural talent. Archie Hetherington is another of Gordon’s young brigade set to impress. Also from Knox, the tall multi talented sportsman bowls sharp outswing and represented NSW at last season’s U12 nationals.
Why they will be competitive: Coaches Nick Miller and Matt Wright return for a fourth season, and certainly have a history of developing competitive squads. After making the finals last season, this year’s squad have followed a similar preparation and with a diverse mix of talent are once again expected to feature when the whips are cracking.
Squad list: Aarav Ahluwalia, Sam Dillon, Atharv Dwivedi, Tom Fuzes, Ansh Gupta, Archie Hetherington, Tyler McInnes, Finn O’Farrell, Cooper Pullen, Toby Robinson, Satva Shah, Campbell Smith, Sean Twining, Vivaan Gandhi
Last season finish: 5th
Number of titles: Four –1950/51, 1951/52, 1955/56, 1986/87
HAWKESBURY
Captain: Aarush Soni
Coach: Luke Kelleher
Players to watch: Green Shield veteran Aarush Soni will skipper the Hawks this season. Last summer the rising leggie became the eighth youngest on record to make his first grade debut. NSW pathways rep Shlok Patel is another returning and rumour says the tearaway quick is out to prove a point.
Josh Bawcombe is a skilled gloveman and the powerhouse right-hander has opened the batting in both second and third grade this season. Harris Kelleher joins the squad, and the off-spinner will be out to replicate his form in fourths and also get the Hawks off to a flyer with the bat.
Lucas Vincent is a major signing from Newcastle who recently made his first grade debut in the Hunter. Last season across all formats, Vincent plundered more than 1,500 runs at an impressive 43. Speedster Sumair Sira will be out to better his 17 wickets at 13.0 from last year, while Hawkesbury insiders say Nygel Shah will become a name to remember.
Why they will be competitive: With nine players returning from last season’s grand final squad, Hawkesbury is on a mission to prove a point. Coached by Luke Kelleher, who has the ability to develop cricketers extremely fast, they are sure to impress. The Hawks have four players in the NSW system and the majority of the squad is honing their craft in fifth grade.
Squad list: Aarush Soni, Ashzaad Awal, Harris Kelleher, Harrison Valenzisi, Jasper Sinclair, Josh Bawcombe, Krish Mehta, Lucas Vincent, Nygel Shah, Riyyan Naik, Samuel Voigt, Shaurya Saharan, Shlok Patel, Sumair Sira, Zaeem Kazi
Last season finish: Runners-up
Number of titles: One –1994/95
MANLY WARRINGAH
Captain: Lukas Overhoff
Coach: Kev Davies
Players to watch: With a background in hockey, Lukas Overhoff is a right-hander who scores all around the wicket with wristy aggression. Right-arm paceman Julian Osbourne returns for another season, and is one to watch with the new ball following a recent 3-15 from 11 tidy overs in fifth grade.
Left-arm wrist spinner Harry Kershler arrives from the North Coast as a noted wicket-taker. Joining him on the trip south is Kai Dalli, an imposing opener known for showing the ball who’s boss.
But if watching the ball sail over the fence rocks your boat, look no further than Miles Milliner. In a recent Weblin Shield U15 match, the freakish leftie raced to 101 off 90 balls in an innings that included 11 sixes and no fours.
Why they will be competitive: Manly boast a solid squad, and with Kev Davies at the helm you know they’ll be out to entertain. There’s an abundance of aggression, and according to Davies enough nous to steady the ship. What they lack in Green Shield experience is sure to be matched by bravado and an element of surprise.
Squad list: Caleb Conners, Kai Dalli, Angus Greenland, Lachie Jurcevic, Myles Kapoor, Harry Kershler, Bill Martin, Harry McCracken, Matt Melville, Miles Milliner, Julian Osbourne, Lukas Overhoff, Fraser Pandit, Sam Roche, Thomas Walker
Last season finish: 6th
Number of titles: Seven – 1941/42, 1942/43, 1944/45, 1952/53, 1953/54, 1959/60, 1991/92
MOSMAN
Captain: Angus Tesoriero
Coaches: Ash Doolan, Max Papworth
Players to watch: Skipper Angus Tesoriero was among the runs last season. Now in the U16s NSW academy, the right-hand St Ignatius opener continues to improve and recently hit 56 in PG’s. Max Circosta is quite the athlete, and with a beautiful stride into the crease, the Joey’s paceman will take the new ball and aim to replicate last season’s 6-17 against Fairfield-Liverpool.
Noah Feenstra is a dangerous gloveman and one to watch if the Whales are pushing for wickets. Recently crouched behind the stumps for Scots, he pouched two leg-side stumpings off a medium pacer.
Newcastle’s Vincent Thornley is one of two country recruits still young enough to go around next season. The other arrives sight unseen from Tamworth, but if reports are true, don’t be surprised if Archie McMaster lights up the middle order.
Why they will be competitive: With a blend of experience and new faces, Mosman present a well balanced side. The younger members have been in form for North Shore in the U15s competition and they bat deep. And with a proven pace attack, the Whales are once again expected to push for a finals berth.
Squad list: James Archer, Alex Burke, Jacob Callaway, Max Circosta, Noah Feenstra, Alex Ferretti, Oliver Freeman, Brad Hansen, Dan Harvey, Max Hilderbrandt, Archie McMaster, Hugh Taylor, Angus Tesoriero, Vincent Thornley, Noah Quayle
Last season finish: 3rd
Number of titles: Five –1950/51, 1951/52, 1955/56, 1981/82 (as Mosman-Middle Harbour), 1986/87
NORTHERN DISTRICT
Captains: Henry Abood, William Byrom
Coach: Josh Miller
Players to watch: Barker College student William Byron returns to spearhead the attack. A member of the NSW U16s academy, last season the right-arm quick took nine wickets for the Rangers at 22.7. Alexander Au-Yeung struck a breezy 52 against a strong Sutherland attack last season, and the hard hitting all-rounder’s off-spin provides an alternate option.
Finn Bailey has already had a season to remember in the Weblin Shield. Tall and uncompromising, the left-hander has blasted two tons for North Shore and taken 10 wickets at 9.0 with his right-arm pace. Far North Coast recruit Lachlan Barnes has the chance to enhance his reputation as a handy paceman, while in the middle order, the left-hander will aim to quickly shift through the gears.
Zachary Haddin, the son of Aussie Test legend Brad, is another to watch in the Rangers’ middle order and with his crafty left-arm wrist spin.
Why they will be competitive: For a club used to finishing at the pointy end of the competition, Northern District will be eager to erase the memories of a disappointing 2022-23. With only a handful of players returning, they’ll field a young squad but there’s enough talent aligned to the NSW pathways to give plenty of cheek.
Squad list: Henry Abood, Alexander Au-Yeung, Finn Bailey, Lachlan Barnes, Lachlan Bartlett, William Byrom, Jared Fernandes, Alex Fitzgerald, Rubeindranath Gobinath, Max Guazzarotto, Zachary Haddin, Edward Hills, Josh McDowell, Zachary Rapa
Last season finish: 16th
Number of titles: Five – 1968/69, 1969/70, 1977/78, 1978/79, 2018/19, 2020/21
UTS NORTH SYDNEY
Captain: Jack Mannix
Coach: Tim Reynolds
Players to watch: Jack Mannix is a wicketkeeper and captain with exceptional hands behind the stumps. With the bat, he looks to keep the scoreboard ticking over and always puts the team first. A NSW academy rep from Newington College, Jack also captained the U15 GPS side last season where he was joint leading run-scorer.
Naman Batich is a talented and aggressive opener who takes the game to the bowlers. A regular in fifth grade this season, he has been a reliable contributor at the top of the order and impressed with his leg-spin.
Country recruit Jonah Rheinberger has been honing his skills as a leg-spinning all-rounder in the Newcastle second grade competition. Touted as a young Bear to watch, he demonstrates consistency in both disciplines.
Why they will be competitive: The Bears have a very talented group which has been together since the start of the winter where they have built a resilient, supportive and winning team culture.
“I am proud of these young boys and the processes they follow,” said coach Tim Reynolds. “ If they continue to apply the same ethic the results will take care of themselves.”
Squad list: Luke Austin, Lachlan Barber, Naman Batish, Angus Grover, Toby Hannan, Sam Harwood, Jack Mannix, Liam McCarthy, Jack Quinane, Jonah Rheinberger, Hamilton Seong, Karan Sharma, Amodh Sriram
Last season finish: 10th
Number of titles: One – 2008/09
PARRAMATTA
Captain: Blake Noorbergen
Coach: Nick Bertus
Players to watch: Entering a third campaign, Blake Noorbergen headlines a batting line up minus the bulk of last season’s top scorers. The highly rated 15-year-old takes on the captaincy, and with a broad range of skills from keeping to off-spin, his optimal utilisation is set to test the coach.
Tall paceman Connor Culnane picked up 12 wickets last season, but with premiership spearhead Prangan Das ruled out through injury, the right-armer now has an opportunity to rise to another level. But he won’t be alone, Ibrahim Khan returns after 18 months on the sidelines and with genuine pace, the left-arm Guildford speedster promises to entertain.
A fringe player last season, Athan Maraziotis can now make the opening spot his own. At 15, the right-hander from The King’s School is a renowned accumulator who offers maturity and resilience. Also from Kings, Aston Wijesinghe is a reliable left-hander who played with North Sydney last season and bowls handy right-arm leg spin.
For fireworks at the top, look no further than Arjun Nadadur. Last October the left-hander climbed into Blacktown’s fourth grade attack with a blistering 84 off just 59 balls. Then a week later at North Sydney, he clubbed 18 boundaries in a knock of 101 off 72.
Why they will be competitive: Coach Nick Bertus says trying to replicate the deeds of last season’s run machines is a tall order. That said, with an abundance of batting talent and a fearsome pace attack, Parramatta will be tough to beat.
Squad list: Blake Noorbergen, Advik Ajithkumar, Arjun Nadadur, Aryan Kumar, Aston Wijesinghe, Athan Maraziotis, Cameron Knight, Charlie Akle, Connor Culnane, Evan David, Ibrahim Khan, Maher Shaun Nosina, Prapta Das, William MacDonald, Rayansh Sharma (shadow)
Last season finish: Premiers
Number of titles: Seven –1960/61 (as Cumberland), 1975/76 (as Central Cumberland), 1997/98, 2000/01, 2007/08, 2017/18, 2022/23
PENRITH
Captain: Alex Kerkham
Coach: Shannon Finemore
Players to watch: Skipper Alex Kerkham has been flourishing in fourth grade ahead of his second season of Green Shield. The young quick has added a yard or two of extra pace to compliment his inquisitive cricketing mind. Look for him to cash in on his potential and make a big impact.
Hunter Hall made a brief stint last season. This summer the highly touted Albury recruit is keen to fire with the willow and empty his leg-spinning bag of tricks. Enjoyed a week plying his trade at the recent U19 Country Colts Carnival and was rewarded with selection in the U17 NSW Country squad.
Xander Carstens is one Penrith will look to when the pressure is on. The local junior is honing his skills in the NSW pathways and according to Finemore, possesses a hunger for runs unmatched by any junior the coach has seen.
Why they will be competitive: There’s a healthy underdog status about the Panthers. While while many are finding their feet in lower level competitions, they also boast strong performers in grade and country cricket. According to Finemore, the key to success will be firing when under pressure.
Squad list: Rupan Senthilnathan, Adil Tariq, Braith Gain, Xander Carstens, Saarim Ghias, Chase Haywood, Fred Bell, Alex Kerkham, Hunter Hall, Alex Muir, Vishaal Kudupudi, Daniel Jarvis, Riley Killeen, Zach Williams
Last season finish: 15th
Number of titles: Two – 1996/97, 2001/02
RANDWICK-PETERSHAM
Captain: Ashane Jayapragash
Coach: Glen Standing
Players to watch: Yashvardhn Anoop Singh has made a promising start to the season scoring a couple of half centuries in fourth and fifth grade. At the crease, the right-hander likes to get into his work early and stay busy. Offers value in the field and doesn’t mind a chat.
For promising all-rounder Aayan Mazhar, trialling for Greenies was a case of be careful what you wish for. After arriving with a bat, he’ll now lead the attack on account of his steep bounce. A consistent contributor in the lower grades, he’ll help strengthen the middle order.
One of the stars from last season, Hunter Palmer’s glove work was impressive and included five catches in a day out against Hawkesbury. He’s the squad’s only country signing and heads south following a successful start to the season in both grade and on the rep scene.
Why they will be competitive: Randwick-Petersham weren’t far off the pace last season, and with depth across the board should once again feature among the finals contenders. Most have played reps and there’s several in the grade ranks.
Squad list: Yashvardhn Anoop Singh, Laurence Bennell, Kaisai Doggett, Alex Greenhill, Ashane Jayapragash, John McDonald, Aarush Mandadi, Junaid Mansoor, Aayan Mazhar, Hunter Palmer, Harry Salmon, Samarpal Singh, Noah Teitler, Zach Thorne, Ben Van Dam
Last season finish: 8th
Number of titles: Three – 1949/50 (as Randwick), 1967/68, 1971/72 (as Petersham-Marrickville)
ST GEORGE
Captain: Keanu Botha
Coaches: Peter Jackson, Nathan Anderson
Players to watch: Keanu Botha will the lead the side and is a talented top-order batter from the Hunter Region. Heads south in great form and recently showed his class for Newcastle City U16s with a swashbuckling 68 off 45 balls.
Blake Cattle is a talented all-rounder from the Illawarra region. The off-spinner has been a top performer so far this season with bat and the ball for his club and representative sides.
Left-arm paceman Manav Shah will lead the attack and will be one to watch if his form for Saints fourths is any guide. In early November, the quick rocked North Sydney with a blistering spell of 3-11 off six overs.
Why they will be competitive: St George missed the finals last season but with six returning and three development players from last year still on the books, there’s an abundance of experience heading into this year’s campaign. With a number of strong performers chosen from the grade ranks, coach Peter Jackson sees depth in the batting and enough variety in the attack to make them a competitive outfit.
Squad list: Keanu Botha, Abhay Ranganath, Luca Pengue, Blake Cattle, Anoop Bawa, James O’Sullivan, Thomas Parawa, Jack Walker, Austin McDean, Damon Wilkie, Manav Shah, Ronan O’Neill, Adrian Sharafi, Rithvik Kumar, Oska Astuy
Last season finish: 11th
Number of titles: Thirteen – 1937/38, 1938/39, 1939/40, 1940/41, 1948/49, 1955/56, 1972/73, 1974/75, 1980/81, 1983/84, 1987/88, 2011/12, 2021/22
SUTHERLAND
Captain: Brady Philipson
Coach: Jake Wilson
Players to watch: Albion Park recruit Kasey Barton brings the fear factor to Sutherland’s attack. The super slick right-armer has already tasted top grade cricket in Wollongong, and with the bat, he’s just as aggressive in the middle order. Wicketkeeper Max De Celis doubles as the glue at the top of the order. A patient right-hander, he’ll aim to bat deep into the innings.
After a taste of Green Shield last season, all-rounder Jackson Kean returns bigger and better and has recently scored a stack of runs in the local competition. With the strongest arm in the squad, opposition batters will need to be wary.
Bailey Parker is a tall right-arm opening bowler known for his impeccable line and length. Now in his second season, he’ll also add strength to the middle order.
Why they will be competitive: After a narrow loss to eventual premiers Parramatta in last season’s semi-final, Sutherland won’t be short of motivation. This season, in addition to the return of several key performers they have a well balanced squad with depth in all positions.
Squad list: Kasey Barton, Riley Broadhead, Max De Celis, Tom Faulkner, Jackson Kean, Max Kennedy, Bailey Parker, Brady Philipson, Kobi Robinson, Lucas Sheehy, Sam Stewart, Ethan Stoddart, Parth Taya, Byron Whitbread
Last season finish: 4th
Number of titles: Six –1970/71, 1984/85, 1985/86, 1986/87, 1989/90, 1992/93
SYDNEY
Captain: Daniel Craig
Coach: Nathan Doyle
Players to watch: Riley Colburt is one of three players returning for another season, and if the right-arm quick’s form in fourth grade is any guide, his outswing should return a bag of wickets.
When it comes to fireworks, Illawarra recruit Liam Gammone knows how to light it up. The hard hitting right-hander also delivers sharp left-arm pace, and in the field he’s said to be dynamite.
Last summer Aditya Thakare was known for his prodigious leg-spin, fast forward 12 months, and the right-hander has a fourth grade 89 against his name. Aggressive on either side of the ball, he shapes as a real match winner.
Then there’s the Medford brothers from Oakhill College. Lucas shapes the new ball away, while 14-year-old Tom is elegant with the bat and reliable behind the stumps.
Why they will be competitive: With a healthy blend of new and old faces, Sydney are once again expected to feature in the finals mix. From all reports the squad were sharp during the October training camp, and with several members performing on the grade scene the optimism is justified.
Squad list: Jack Allen, Arin Bhargava, Cadell Birch, Riley Colburt, Daniel Craig, Liam Gammone, Hamish Malone, Lucas Medford, Tom Medford, Jai Patel, Aditya Thakare, Krisshiv Verma, Oscar Wright
Last season finish: 9th
Number of titles: Four – 1956/57, 1966/67, 1967/68 (as Balmain), 2016/17
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Captain: Lachlan Russell
Coaches: Henry Cain, Andrew Wilkinson
Players to watch: Top order specialist Lachlan Russell doubles as a clever all-rounder who backs up for a second season. Named captain, the NSW U15s rep is also a handy leg-spin option. After a taste of Green Shield last season, Arnav Yadav will move up the order and the talented leggie will draw upon his recent experiences in fourth grade and the NSW pathways.
Canberra’s Raunit Singh is a promising opener, and the medium pace all-rounder arrives in Sydney having played second grade for Eastlake in the ACT Premier competition.
Why they will be competitive: Sydney University boast a talented playing squad with multiple state representatives. And they will enter the competition as a tight-knit group following a recent tour to India.
Squad list: Lachlan Russell, Arnav Yadav, Raunit Singh, Fergus Boorer, Tom Gale, Jack Garland, Charlie Cowan, Aaron Leong, Harry Mayne, Jonah Lyons, Ethan Fong, Sanskar Sharma, Matt Thompson, Nadil Jayakody
Last season finish: 17th
Number of titles: None
UNSW
Captain: Sam Hayes
Coach: Tarik Viswasam
Players to watch: After a taste of Green Shield last summer, Sam Hayes returns as Bees captain where he’ll keep wickets and lead the charge from No.3. Still young enough to return next season, the right-hander recently hit 71 in the Metropolitan Cup.
Neel Patel is known for taking the game on at the top of the order, but it’s with the ball where the crafty offie is making headlines. With a breakthrough haul of 6-54 last October, Gordon fourth grade simply had no answer to the right-armers drift and bounce.
Bathurst’s Blayde Burke has already made an impression at UNSW. Still only 15, the off-spinning all-rounder has a PG’s cap and is said to be electric in the field.
In terms of a surprise packet, look no further than Jagbir Malhi. Last month the 13-year-old paceman had Campbelltown-Camden fifths on the back foot with two early wickets before doubling down with a classy 55.
Why they will be competitive: UNSW aren't hiding from the fact that they have a young squad, but with the majority currently succeeding at grade level, the Bees are bound to cause a few upsets.
Squad list: Sam Hayes, Jaxon Heapes, Abhinav Nayani, Blayde Burke, Stian Constable, Pramit Foisol, Alexander Jack, Max Lynn, Jagbir Malhi, Manav Narayan, Zachary Nicholls, Neel Patel, Rishab Shah, Freddie Webster, Yug Chaudhari (development)
Last season finish: 20th
Number of titles: None
WESTERN SUBURBS
Captain: TBA
Coaches: Will Chesterfield, Josh Clarke
Players to watch: Having shown glimpses of his all-round skills last summer, a vastly improved William Zakostelsky returns to the Green Shield. This season the right-arm leg-spinner has already taken wickets in fourth grade and with the bat, he struck a quickfire 87 in fifths against UNSW.
Right-arm leggie Rehaan Shyamsundar is another familiar face to have played fourths this summer. Now 15, the Barker student is once again expected to challenge the comp’s best bats.
Intelligent right-hander Prince Patel has two fifth grade half centuries this season. While behind the stumps, Luke Hoogendyk is a rising gloveman and punishing right-hander who recently notched his maiden fifty in the grade ranks.
Why they will be competitive: Despite naming a young squad with seven players available to go around next season, Wests shouldn't be underestimated. A number are already turning heads in grade and they promise to be a powerhouse in the field.
Squad list: Akith Ekanayake, Ashton Russell, Baldip Singh, Luke Hoogendyk, Martis Johri, Michael Liguory, Nirav Sharma, Oscar Dance, Prince Patel, Rehaan Shyamsunda, Riley Pangilly, Samih Muktar, Santhosh Kumaran, Vedh Christy, William Zakostelsky
Last season finish: 14th
Number of titles: Three –1936/37, 1973/74, 1975/76
ROUND 1: SUNDAY, 17 DECEMBER, 2023
Campbelltown Camden v Randwick Petersham at Raby Oval 1
Fairfield-Liverpool v Eastern Suburbs at Rosedale Oval
Gordon v Parramatta at Chatswood Oval
Mosman v Sutherland at Allan Border Oval
Penrith v Bankstown at Howell Oval
St George v Northern District at Hurstville Oval
Sydney v Hawkesbury at Birchgrove Oval
Sydney University v Blacktown Mounties at Sydney University Oval 1
UNSW v Manly Warringah at David Phillips Oval
Western Suburbs v UTS North Sydney at Pratten Park
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Pain game! Stairway to rugby dream for Waratahs young gun
It’s a time he hated with a passion but this painful interlude in Waratahs young gun Henry O’Donnell’s life could well pave the way to his future success in the game. Tahs v Brumbies squads
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Girls on the rise: 80 players to watch in Lisa Fiaola, Tarsha Gale Cup
Keep an eye on these names. The future of women’s rugby league is on show in the Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale Cups, and we look at 80 stars set to shine in this year’s competition.
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