Green Shield cricket preview 2024/25: The ultimate guide to the clubs and U16s players
The AW Green Shield season returns, and with all 20 NSW Premier Cricket clubs and the state’s best U16 cricketers, it’s a window into the future. Full season preview, 80+ stars to watch.
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A highlight on the Sydney cricket calendar, the AW Green Shield competition returns.
From Tuesday, December 17, the state’s next generation of talent will fight for the prestigious title across six weeks.
A stepping stone for Australian Test legends like Pat Cummins and rising superstars such as Sam Konstas, the highly regarded under-16 tournament is widely considered the best of its type in the world.
Featuring teams from all 20 NSW Premier Cricket clubs, the race for the top-eight includes seven preliminary rounds before the finals conclude with a grand final on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
Manly Warringah are the reigning champions but with refreshed rosters across the board, this year’s title race is wide open.
We reached out to every club to profile each team and list all 300+ youngsters gearing up for action.
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Bankstown - Blacktown - Campbelltown Camden - Easts - Fairfield-Liverpool - Gordon - Hawkesbury - Manly - Mosman - Northern District - North Sydney - Parramatta - Penrith - Randwick-Petersham - St George - Sutherland - Sydney - Sydney University - UNSW - Wests
BANKSTOWN
Captain: Benjamin Smith
Coach: Jake Cormack
Players to watch: Benjamin Smith takes over as skipper on his return. A right-arm paceman, the all-rounder’s game has come along in leaps and bounds with a pair of fifties in the lower grades. Country recruit Calad Woodburn arrives from the ACT, and all going to plan he’ll continue to produce in the top order.
NSW pathways sensation Kostas Saisanas promises to be a major threat in attack. The right-arm quick bowls serious heat for a 15-year-old and has been among the wickets in third grade.
Keep an eye out for Talha Khalid, the Westfield Sports left-armer promises to inject a point of difference with the new ball.
Why they will be competitive: With 11 in the squad still young enough to go around next season, Bankstown are about to enter uncharted waters. Despite this, coach Jake Cormack is excited with the talent at his disposal.
There’s a mountain of grunt in the pace battery, and if they can hold their own with the bat the upsets should follow.
Squad list: Benjamin Smith, Aarav Daddikar, Ahmed Mansuri, Calad Woodburn (Country), Guhan Mani Maran, Jairus Lowe, Jesper Christensen, Kai Laws, Kostas Saisanas, Marcus Winning, Raghav Kasiraman, Sai Ramtenki, Talha Khalid, Thomas White (Country), Zach Pagano
Last season finish: 13th
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: Thenuk Wijesekara
Coaches: Rohan Awati, Smit Raval (assistant)
Players to watch: Leg-spinner Thenuk Wijesekara has come along way since last season. One of several on the books currently playing u15 reps for Parramatta, the right-armer recently announced himself in seniors with 7/49 in fifth grade. A state pathways rep, he’ll also bat in the top order.
Wicketkeeper Ansh Lad has had a taste of fourth grade and the composed left-hander will play a crucial role in the top order. Dhruv Rao has been scoring runs in Metros and the opener also bowls handy mediums.
For explosive power, keep an eye on Wollongong recruit Tristan Denmeade.Bowls good heat and hits hard in the middle-lower order.
Why they will be competitive: With only a couple of familiar faces, Blacktown are essentially an unknown quantity. That said, their strong trial form provides optimism, and with quality spin stocks they could prove difficult to score against.
The country recruits add depth, and coach Rohan Awati is aiming for the top eight.
Squad list: Thenuk Wijesekara, Aarav Thakker, Dhruv Girish Rao, Shindhe, Om Mogale, Ansh Lad, Ryan Garg, Ariv Raina, Sehj Singh, Tristan Denmeade, Sairam Patil, Siddarth Sivakumar, Mark Patel, Shayan Raza, Hari Santhana
Last season finish: 19th
Number of titles: None
CAMPBELLTOWN CAMDEN
Captain: TBA
Coach: Luke Morrissey
Players to watch: Off-spinner Joshua Garner heads a trio of talented tweakers in the state pathways program. Yuvraj Khabra is a left-arm finger spinner, while additional variety coming from rising leggie, Avanindra Sikarwar.
When it comes to runs, stylish keeper Cohen Kvackovski has a fourth grade ton against his name, and Karan Ruhil continues to dominate in fifths and Metros.
Why they will be competitive: The Ghosts are blessed with talent and are bound to cause their fair share of surprises if they can fire as a unit.
With all three spin options in the NSW mix and a number in the squad currently impressing in the lower grades, the future looks bright for the Macarthur based outfit.
Squad list: Nicholas Augustine, Lachlan Cornwell, Joshua Garner, Koby Hamilton-Jones, Rehan Kumar, Cohen Kvackovski, Hayden Morrissey, Noah Nasser, Abhinav Nayani, Karan Ruhil, Yuvraj Singh Khabra, Avanindra Singh Sikarwar, Abdullah Sheraz
Last season finish: 20th
Number of titles: Four – 1995/96 (as Campbelltown), 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07 (as Campbelltown-Camden)
EASTERN SUBURBS
Captain: Giles Consunji
Coach: Billy Barge
Players to watch: In a squad full of surprises, Cranbrook batter Chris Harris bowls medium pace and can also cover behind the stumps. But the rabbit in the hat is Saharsh Subramanian.
A left-arm offie from Sydney Boys High, the 13-year-old is equally effective mixing it up with his right.
Oran Park leg-spinner Tyson Jansz recently toured with the U12 NSW PSSA side to Adelaide, while young gun Henry Walker hit 85 opening the batting for Waverley College.
Both country recruits bring form with the bat. Newcastle’s Drew Saxby is a year young, and Matthew Higham joins from the South Coast.
Wicketkeeper and captain Giles Consunji solidifies the top order, and the left-hander will bank on his experiences in the lower grades and with St Gregory’s College.
Why they will be competitive: The Dolphins finished fourth last season, but as most of their players have aged out, they are now entering a new phase. While many members of the current squad are available again next year, coach Billy Barge remains optimistic about the potential of his young team.
Squad list: Giles Consunji, Jack Flintoft, Chris Harris, Henry Walker, Charlie Wiles, Harry Austin, Henry Read, Jethro Sharman, Tyson Jansz, Matthew Higham (country), Pramit Foisol, Spencer Flavel, Drew Saxby (country), Juhith Rajesidhiraju, Saharsh Subramanian
Last season finish: 4th
Number of titles: Five – 1943/44, 1952/53, 1963/64, 1976/77 (known as Waverley), 2019/20
FAIRFIELD-LIVERPOOL
Captains: Aidan Stanly and Ahan Vinod
Coach: Mitch Yearsley
Players to watch: Ahan Vinod is a key piece in the Lions puzzle. The highly regarded gloveman and top order specialist returns for a third season. Currently at King’s, the NSW U17s rep has also played third grade.
Fellow skipper Aidan Stanly is another gearing up for a third campaign. A noted run machine, he recently scored a ton for NSW U15 2s at the All School Championships in Mackay.
With the ball, Avyukth Sudharshan is a leg spinning all-rounder from the ACT, while Osman Tawakal is an extremely talented fast bowler from Hills Sports High who has previously been involved in the state pathways.
Why they will be competitive: Mitch Yearsley’s squad weren’t far off the pace last season, and with four elite players returning they boast a far more mature line-up compared to previous seasons.
All members have tasted Premier Cricket and with match-winners in all three facets of the game, Fairfield-Liverpool is a genuine finals contender.
Squad list: Ahan Vinod, Aidan Stanly, Chayce Smith, Paarth Sharma, Osman Tawakal, Avyukth Sudharshan, Dawaninder Singh, Simon Charles, Jack Lambert, Aidan Smith, Alex Lauchlan, Cooper Clare, Syed Hussein, Ricky Shardul
Last season finish: 9th
Number of titles: Two – 1993/94, 2012/13
GORDON
Captain: Vivaan Gandhi
Coaches: Nick Miller and Matt Wright
Players to watch: Playing his fourth year of Greenies, Vivaan Gandhi brings hot form including a recent knock of 137 for King’s. A key member of the squad, he sets the standard alongside fellow senior players Sam Dillon, Finn O’Farrell and Satva Shah.
Pace bowling all-rounder Archie Hetherington is another returning and will be better for his time in the NSW U15 Metro squad.
In addition, the Stags welcome Country guns Sam Davis (Tamworth) and Cooper Williams (Lismore). Both highly regarded on the rep scene, they’ll be eager to replicate their recent efforts in the Bradman Cup and State Challenge.
Why they will be competitive: With the youngest group selected in the club’s history, last season the Stags just missed out on qualifying for the grand final. Many of those boys remain in this year’s squad and have benefited from time in the NSW U15 Metro squad.
As in previous years, under the expert direction of coaches Nick Miller and Matt Wright, Gordon is once again expected to feature among the heavyweights.
Squad list: Aarav Ahluwalia, Charlie Chippendale, Cooper Clarkson, Sam Davis - Country, Sam Dillon, Vivaan Gandhi, Ansh Gupta, George Harris, Archie Hetherington, Finn O’Farrell, Arjun Sankar, Satva Shah, Sean Twining, Cooper Williams - Country
Last season finish: 4th
Number of titles: Four – 1950/51, 1951/52, 1955/56, 1986/87
HAWKESBURY
Captain: Nigel Shah
Coaches: Luke Kelleher, Michael Shields
Players to watch: Rising pathways spinner Nigel Shah showed glimpses of his prowess last season. A star at this year’s U15 schools nationals, he has since kicked on as a regular wicket-taker in third grade.
Hemish Arora was on the fringes last season, now bigger and stronger, the talented and hard hitting keeper has played second grade and gets his chance at the top of the order.
In a squad hungry for success, Henil Soni won’t be lacking motivation. Cruelled by injury last season, the right-arm paceman has impressed in the lower grades with both bat and ball.
Why they will be competitive: After sliding down the ladder last season, the Hawks return with a mature squad in 2024-25. Apart from two youngsters, the remainder are primed for a big showing in their final campaign. Quite a few are slowly making their mark in the lower grades and coach Luke Kelleher can’t wait to get the boys on the park.
Squad list: Aarush Shah, Abhiram Chennupati, Angus McIntosh, Arnav Warghade, Avyukt Iyer, Dhairya Modi, Hemish Arora, Henil Soni, Isaac Baker, Lachlan Barry, Mahiejith Aravind, Nygel Shah, Oliver Smith, Sameer Kukade, Vaibhav Narayanan
Last season finish: 17th
Number of titles: One – 1994/95
MANLY WARRINGAH
Captain: TBA
Coach: Kev Davies
Players to watch: The only player remaining from last season’s premiership winning squad, Thomas Walker can expect more time on the park this season. The pace bowling all-rounder is currently playing fifth grade.
Western rep Austin Hunt arrives on the Northern Beaches with big wraps. Sharper than most, the Dubbo quick holds his own in the local top grade and knows how to beat the outside edge.
Continuing on the country theme, Manly’s annual search up north has unearthed wicketkeeper Harry O’Brien. The Pottsville gloveman also arrives as a handy top order option. Locally, St Pius product Lucas Gleeson adds another dimension with his left-arm orthodox.
Why they will be competitive: The reigning champions start the new season with a clean slate. With all 11 from the grand final winning side having moved on, Manly’s hopes of going back-to-back lie with a new generation of talent.
Last year Kev Davies fielded two players a year young, this time it’s seven. Having said that, the wily coach is sure to have something up his sleeve.
Squad list: Lachlan Coy, Lucas Gleeson, Joshua Godwin, William Graham, Darcy Horstead, Stewart Hurt, Austin Hunt, Rohit Jayaram, Harvey Matheson, Murray Moran, Harry O’Brien, Angus Pike, Freddie Schneidereit, William Toohey, Thomas Walker
Last season finish: Premiers
Number of titles: Eight – 1941/42, 1942/43, 1944/45, 1952/53, 1953/54, 1959/60, 1991/92, 2023-24
MOSMAN
Captain: Noah Quayle
Coaches: Max Papworth, Ash Doolan
Players to watch: Manly recruit and U16 Academy rep Aidan Boulton is a major addition to the top order and is expected to complement the return of Noah Quayle and the reliable Hugh Taylor.
St Pius skipper Oliver Freeman has loads of class and recently hit a mammoth 150 on the school scene. Still a year young, Jagbir Malhi has been scoring runs in fourths and striking a blow with his right-arm pace.
Left-arm leggie Alex Burke adds a point of difference, and be sure to check out giant St Joseph’s College paceman, Oscar Sachs.
Why they will be competitive: Typically strong in this space, Mosman is well placed to improve on their early exit from last season’s finals. With four key players returning and several astute additions, expect the Whales to be still in the mix come late January.
Squad list: Harry Arnold, Aidan Boulton, Alex Burke, Rohan Chang, Alex Conoplia, Oliver Freeman, Julian Harrison, Aiden Kurtis, Jagbir Malhi, James Mathur, Leo McNeil, Hugh Taylor, Noah Quayle, Oscar Sachs
Last season finish: 7th
Number of titles: Five – 1950/51, 1951/52, 1955/56, 1981/82 (as Mosman-Middle Harbour), 1986/87
NORTHERN DISTRICT
Captain: Finn Bailey
Coaches: Josh Miller/ Tom Felton
Players to watch: A key all-rounder, Rubeindranath Gobinath kicked off last season’s tournament with a century at Hurstville and signed off with a place in the Green Shield merit side.
Leg-spinner Lachlan Bartlett also hit the ground running last summer with 5/22 on debut against St George. While there’s a touch of Brad Hogg about Zachary Haddin and his left-arm leggies.
In a strong outfit, the arrival of Xander Carstens from Penrith could prove a masterstroke at the top of the order. Highly regarded, the right-hand pathways gun is known for consistency.
When the chips a down, Josh McDowell has the ticker to reverse the tide. In last season’s semi, the gloveman held his nerve with a quality knock in the middle order.
Why they will be competitive: Last season’s minor premiers once again field a formidable combination. With eight members returning and the addition of Carstens, ND’s have the makings of a well balanced squad.
Face a strong Gordon outfit in the opening round, in a contest that could well be a barometer for the remainder of their campaign.
Squad list: Finn Bailey, Lachlan Bartlett, Edward Byrom, Xander Carstens, Jared Fernandes, Rubeindranath Gobinath, Max Guazzarotto, Zachary Haddin, Alish, Hirani, Oliver Makin, Josh McDowell, Kirby Mulligan, Zachary Rapa, Arjun Singh, Ulrich Vosser
Last season finish: 3rd
Number of titles: Five – 1968/69, 1969/70, 1977/78, 1978/79, 2018/19, 2020/21
UTS NORTH SYDNEY
Captain: Ryan Sood
Coach: Tim Reynolds
Players to watch: Captain Ryan Sood likes to dig in with the bat and the hard working wicketkeeper knows how to galvanise the boys in the field.
Among a host players to switch clubs, talented all-rounder Vivaan Bhosale arrives from Blacktown with a big reputation. Thrives in a contest and has continued to develop in fourth grade.
Rayyan Kazmi gets the nod for another campaign, and the young leg-spinner will guide the attack and show his talented hands with the bat. Country signing George Verth brings versatility from Kincumber-Avoca and is known to hit the ball hard and bowl it even harder.
Toby Hannan picked up eight wickets last season, and this year has already shown promising signs in the lower grades.
Why they will be competitive: The Bears have a well rounded squad that has been training together the entire year. Coach Tim Reynolds says the side has developed as a unit, and after a strong pre-season believes they will be tough to beat.
Squad list: Amodh Sriram, Aryian Banker, Caden de Sayrah-Blood, Dhanvin Bajeev, Dhruv Sakkarwal, George Verth, Jacob Hanlon, Kaviru Karunaratne, Rayyan Kazmi, Ryan Sood, Saugat Pandey, Toby Hannan, Vincent Thornley, Vivaan Bhosale, Zayan Choorapulakkal
Last season finish: 10th
Number of titles: One – 2008/09
PARRAMATTA
Captain: Advik Ajithkumar
Coaches: Nick Bertus, Luke Dempsey, Paul Giumelli
Players to watch: Captain Advik Ajithkumar has been flourishing on the grade scene since earning selection in the U16 NSW Metro squad. Returning for another season of Green Shield, he recently peeled off 103 in fourth grade.
Hampered by injuries last summer, state pathways quick Arhan Shah is eager to make up for lost time. Cameron Knight is a right-hander fresh from a blistering ton in fifth grade.
One of several fresh faces in the squad, 13-year-old Ethan Natkunamanickam is a rapidly rising King’s School leggie. Charlie Akle returns with the gloves, and the keeper will be better for his time behind the stumps in fifth grade.
Why they will be competitive: Unmatched for junior numbers, Parramatta is the epicentre of Sydney cricket. A Greenies powerhouse, they’ve played in the past two grand finals and while they’re missing the big names of previous seasons they shouldn’t be far off the pace.
With three players aged 13, and a host still only 14, most of the squad are untried at this level. Undeterred by the lack of experience, coach Nick Bertus is excited by the skill and firepower at his disposal.
Squad list: Advik Ajithkumar, Aniket Tamhankar, Arhan Shah, Benjamin Mani, Cameron Knight, Charlie Akle, Ethan Natkunamanickam, Evan David, Finlay Hitchcock, Hamilton Seoung, Jayden Paskaranathan, Leon Cooray, Maher Shaun Nosina, Reyansh Sharma, Ronav Aparajit
Last season finish: Runner-up
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: Henry Laurie
Coach: Brett Newman
Players to watch: One of several members from the squad that reached last season’s finals, Fred Bell recently tuned up with 66 off 73 balls in fifth grade. Not to be out done, Riley Killeen took the Bears’ fourth grade attack apart with a fine 70.
Still eyeing the Panthers’ top order, opener Jacob Thompson will look to replicate his masterful 94 in fifth grade. On the other side of the ball, opening bowler Jack Newman has been toiling hard in fifths and rocked Bankstown with 3/15.
All-rounder Daniel Jarvis is another from the lower grades in a squad that includes Western recruits Jayden Brasier and Fletcher Byrne.
Why they will be competitive: Penrith took a while to get going last summer, but turned heads when they charged into the top-eight with three consecutive victories. The core of that side have kicked on in grade and are ready to take the club forward in Green Shield.
In good signs, coach Brett Newman says the majority of the boys have played together for years and are good mates which is conducive to getting the best out of each other.
Squad list: Fred Bell, Jayden Brasier, Ryan Burfitt, Fletcher Byrne, Cooper Hegarty, Daniel Jarvis, Riley Killeen, Henry Laurie, Blake Nelson, Jack Newman, Ekam Singh Bhambra, Archer Sproule, Aarush Thakur, Jacob Thompson, Cooper Watson
Last season finish: 8th
Number of titles: Two – 1996/97, 2001/02
RANDWICK-PETERSHAM
Captain: Harry Salmon
Coach: Glen Standing
Players to watch: Canberra recruit Eknoor Deo gets his chance to light up the top order. A consistent scorer in the ACT senior comp, the all-rounder is known for scoring at a rapid rate.
Still a year young, Qanit Muburak is a promising left-arm paceman who’s in the mix to open the bowling. Leg-spinning all-rounder Oliver Nickandrow joins a long line of talented cricketers to come out of St Joseph’s College, and is definitely one to keep an eye on.
After a taste of Greenies last season, Harry Salmon returns as captain. He’s joined by fellow all-rounder Junaid Mansour who has been a model of consistency in the lower grades.
Why they will be competitive: Randwick Petersham fired out of the blocks last season but were unable to maintain the momentum. A number of key performers return better for the experience, and alongside the Country recruits this year’s combination are poised to climb the ladder.
Squad list: Kaylan Mantra, Eamon Bonora, Issac Roxburgh, Avirag Pal, Abhivarshan Ramaneetharan, Marcus DiAmbrosio, Harry Salmon, Eknoor Deo, Junaid Mansour, Gunett Kiara, Kaisei Doggett, Laurence Bennell, Qanit Mubarak, Oli Nikandrow, Arjan Sandhu
Last season finish: 16th
Number of titles: Three – 1949/50 (as Randwick), 1967/68, 1971/72 (as Petersham-Marrickville)
ST GEORGE
Captain: Blake Cattle
Coach: Peter Jackson, Nathan Anderson (assistant)
Players to watch: No stranger to fans of country cricket, Blake Cattle picked up the Nathan Lyon medal earlier this year as the best player of the Bradman Cup. The Greater Illawarra offie travels north for another Greenies campaign, and also brings excellent form with the bat.
Rithvik Kumar will lead the attack, and his recent fourth grade debut suggests there’s good times on the horizon after he held Easts to ransom with 5/30 from 10 overs. Behind the stumps, Arnav Kandari takes the gloves and promises plenty of runs after lighting up Metros with a couple of fifties.
In a comp flush with leggies, Byron Whitbread ranks among the best. Last September in Metros, the U16s pathway rep bamboozled Warringah with a season-best 8/32.
Tom Wells also knows how to mix it up. The Shellharbour left-hander also delivers handy right-arm mediums.
Why they will be competitive: Last year didn’t follow the script for St George, but all the signs are positive heading into the 2024-25 tournament. Aside from a host of pathways talent, the majority of the squad have performed in the lower grades, and the regional recruits are nearing the top of their game.
Squad list: Blake Cattle, Tom Wells, Rishab Shah, Byron Whitbread, Ronan O’Neill, Shriyan Dhongade, Rithvik Kumar, Adrian Sharafi, Arjun Mahadik, Kynan Eagles, Arnav Kandari, Oska Astuy, Franklin Yenson, Ashton Solomons, Christopher Whatson
Last season finish: 15th
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: Lucas Sheehy
Coach: Jake Wilson
Players to watch: A genuine athlete, Tom Faulkner is a classy all-rounder returning for another campaign full of confidence after finishing last summer with a century in the Metro Cup finals.
Talented keeper Lucas Sheehy also starred with the bat last season. Mature for his age, his leadership skills continue to evolve.
With the ball, don’t expect Angus Smith to cut any corners. A silent assassin, the right-arm quick goes all day and compliments his hard work off the pitch. Harry Danne is a tall leg-spinner eager to make his Green Shield debut.
Why they will be competitive: Among the top sides last season, Sutherland were dealt a tough draw and just missed the finals. With only a couple of big names returning, Jake Wilson will field a young side with seven players ready to step up from last year’s development squad.
Undaunted by the task at hand, Sutherland have a well balanced squad and a steely focus to take the next step.
Squad list: Jordyn Barry, Loxley Callender, Lucas Camin, Adam Dalla-Camina, Harry Danne, Ashton Epplett, Tom Faulkner, Ashton Graham, Josh Grives, Leo Hogg, Ben Hunt, Samuel Jaques, Josh Lindsay, Shreyas Potu, Archie Selmes, Lucas Sheehy, Angus Smith, Jarvis Whyte, Tom Wood
Last season finish: 11th
Number of titles: Six – 1970/71, 1984/85, 1985/86, 1986/87, 1989/90, 1992/93
SYDNEY
Captain: Hamish Malone
Coach: Oscar Kirk
Players to watch: After a taste last season, all-rounder Hamish Malone returns as skipper. The speedster from St Pats Strathfield bowls a heavy ball and his hard hitting is considered a viable option at the top of the order.
Liam Gammone is another potential game changer. Sharpened by stints with NSW Country, the Illawarra recruit is punishing with the bat and can unsettle with his lively left-arm pace. Oakhill College wicketkeeper Tom Medford brings fifth grade experience, and the top order specialist will be keen to emphasise his NSW Metro selection.
Tanishq Shah joins from Sydney University and the offie has already caught the eye of senior selectors with an appearance in fifths.
Middle order signing Hayden Checker joins from Newcastle, and is another option with the gloves.
Why they will be competitive: Typically competitive in the under-16s, Sydney made a strong start last season before fading in the closing rounds. Once again they boast a strong top order and with five players returning are primed to climb the ladder.
Stocked with nagging medium pace and probing spin options, new coach Oscar Kirk says the squad is equipped to mount pressure in the field.
Squad list: Hamish Malone, Tom Medford, Fred Bruce, Liam Gammone (country), Daniel Mackay, Hayden Checker (country), Ujwal Yadem, Siddarth Siny Babu, Tanishq Shah, Jack Allen, Krish Chhatre, Vansh Anand, Shaurya Bhardwaj, Suhas Abeysinghe
Last season finish: 12th
Number of titles: Four – 1956/57, 1966/67, 1967/68 (as Balmain), 2016/17
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Captain: Lachlan Russell
Coach: Henry Cain
Players to watch: Entering his third and final Green Shield season, Arnav Yadav is primed for a massive campaign with bat and ball. The U17s NSW rep has worked hard on his game and recently hit 144 in fourth grade. With the ball, his leg-spin will be crucial through the middle overs.
Sutherland recruit Kobi Robinson scored multiple half-centuries during the pre-season trip to Darwin and has backed it up with consistency in third grade. The U16s pathways rep is also reliable with the ball.
Archie O’Hara led the way for runs in Darwin and the Illawarra wicketkeeper has continued his rich vein of form with back-to-back tons on the rep scene. Another in the pathways, Archie is one to keep an eye on.
Why they will be competitive: Led by Lachlan Russell, Uni fields seven players with current or recent pathways experience in what shapes as a very exciting season.
In Darwin, the squad not only played high quality cricket against the Northern Territory U17s they used the time away to build strong connections which leaves them poised to improve on last season’s return.
Squad list: Lachlan Russell, Aminda Weerasooriya, Archie O’Hara, Arnav Yadav, Charlie Cowan, Ed Shand, Kobi Robinson, Krishan Puranik, Matt Thompson, Max Hilderbrandt, Monte Cairns, Nicholli Thompson, Oliver Lista, Hugo Wise, Xavier Quoyle
Last season finish: 18th
Number of titles: None
UNSW
Captain: Sam Hayes
Coaches: Tarik Viswasam, Aaron Crofts (Manager)
Players to watch: Bathurst recruit Kobe Muir will be instrumental in the middle order. Although quiet by nature, his aggressive style will move the game forward in the white ball format.
Nirav Sharma has made a cracking start to the season with runs and wickets in fifth grade and on the rep scene for Inner-West Harbour. A quick runner between wickets, he knows his strengths inside out for a young player.
Another gun, third grade batter Neel Patel returns to Greenies and will be eager to repeat the 101 he scored last season against Sydney.
Gus Cassim is one to watch in the middle overs. Excellent against spin, he accumulates at almost a run-a-ball and is one of four members in the squad who are still 15.
Why they will be competitive: Desperate to deliver on the one-percenters, in good signs, UNSW’s trial form has the side moving forward as a team.
After a slow start last season, the Bees rounded out the competition with consecutive victories and are now well placed to continue their climb.
Squad list: Sam Hayes, Kobe Muir, Fletcher Gersbach, Yug Chaudhari, Nirav Sharma, Gus Cassim, Reve Harvey-Palmer, Shlok Kamdar-Doshi, Talha Khalid, Stian Constable, Jack Edwards, Toby Webster, Jaden Tsang, Neel Patel
Last season finish: 14th
Number of titles: None
WESTERN SUBURBS
Captain: Rehaan Shyamsundar
Coaches: Josh Clarke, Will Chesterfield (assistant)
Players to watch: A familiar face in the junior ranks, Rehaan Shyamsundar enters his fourth season of Green Shield. Now captain, the prodigious leggie and NSW Academy rep has already tasted second grade this season. Baldip Singh finished among the runs last year and brings good form following two fourth grade half centuries.
Santhosh Kumaran sets the standard with the new ball, and the pathways star has consistently been among the wickets in thirds, while Atharv Dwivedi continues the danger from the opposite end. In fifth grade, medium pacer Keshav Krishnan is glowing after hauls of 6/23 and 5/11.
Former Ghosts keeper Jack Jobson is a major addition. A punishing bat, the gloveman is another to win a second grade cap. Blacktown recruit Rajveer Masrani is blossoming with bat and ball in the lower grades, and Martis Johri arrives in top form following a recent century for Cranbrook.
Why they will be competitive: Fielded a young side last year and defied the odds when they surged into the finals. A year on, four of that squad return and with a handful of players in the NSW pathways Wests aren’t short of talent.
Most have already performed at grade level, and with quality bowling stocks, if they can post decent scores they’ll be a serious contender.
Squad list: Baldip Singh, Rehaan Shyamsundar, Jack Jobson, Santhosh Kumaran, Atharv Dwivedi, Krish Sharma, Martis Johri, Keshav Krishnan, Zale Mills, Aarav Sharma, Rajveer Masrani, Joseph Mendis, Brandon Mitchell, Will Fritch
Last season finish: 6th
Number of titles: Three – 1936/37, 1973/74, 1975/76
ROUND 1: TUESDAY, 17 DECEMBER, 2024
Bankstown v St George at Grahame Thomas Oval
Blacktown v Sydney at Joe McAleer Oval
Campbelltown Camden v Fairfield-Liverpool at Raby No.1
Eastern Suburbs v Manly Warringah at Waverley Oval
UTS North Sydney v Sydney University at Tunks Park
Northern District v Gordon at Mark Taylor Oval
Parramatta v Western Suburbs at Merrylands No.1
Penrith v Hawkesbury at Howell Oval
Sutherland v Randwick Petersham at Sutherland Oval
UNSW v Mosman at David Phillips
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Drama Queens! Our toughest, bravest and craziest sailors
Cyclonic force winds, dismastings, knockdowns, head injuries and moments of extremes courage and triumph, this trio have survived and thrived in some of the most perilous conditions at sea.
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So excited! Sydney Hobart sailor a real chip off the old block
For almost every one of her 21 years Georgia Wharington has watched her dad set sail in the Sydney to Hobart. Now she will be beside him for one of the fastest and most furious in recent times.
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