Gold Coast Thunder coach Simon Belston hoping players can repay selection faith in Bulls Masters Country Challenge final

Gold Coast Thunder coach Simon Belston says it is up to the players to repay the selection faith in next weekend’s Bulls Masters Country Challenge final after sticking with the same 12-man squad to take on North Queensland.

GOLD Coast Thunder coach Simon Belston says it is up to the players to repay the selection faith in next weekend’s Bulls Masters Country Challenge final after sticking with the same 12-man squad to take on North Queensland.

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The Thunder booked their ticket to the January 19 final at the Gabba with three wins from four Twenty20 games at October’s Bulls Masters Country Challenge in Bundaberg, including victory against looming opponents North Queensland.

That success prompted Thunder heirachy to retain the same squad to face the Monsoons, despite a lull in form for a handful of players.

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However, Belston said he had full confidence the men chosen would do the Gold Coast proud.

“I’m not here to take away an opportunity for the 12 blokes who got us there (to the final) in the first place. We felt it was the strongest T20 side we could put on the field (in Bundaberg) so there’s no change in thought process moving into the Gabba,” Belston said.

Gold Coast Thunder coach Simon Belston. Picture: Jason O'Brien

“There’s a bit of dip in form for a couple of boys with bat or ball but I’m still right behind these fellas to go up there and do a job. They know their roles and I’ve got every faith in everyone we’ve selected from the Bundaberg trip.

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“It’s a great opportunity for (the players) to get up there and showcase their skills on a world-class stage. We are asking for as much support from the cricket community as possible.”

The game, which will begin at noon and offers free entry for spectators, will serve as a curtain-raiser to the Brisbane Heat’s Big Bash League clash with the Melbourne Renegades from 6.10pm.

Belston said the Thunder were “bullish” they could bring the Country Challenge silverware back to the Coast.

“We’ve done a little bit homework on North Queensland Monsoons. We’ve picked out a couple of individuals and what we need to do to get around them,” he said.

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“We’ll look to play to our strengths, we’ve got some very good cricketers. We might have a look at whether we can tweak something (from Bundaberg).

“It’s whoever turns up on the day and plays the best to the conditions. We’re looking forward to it.”

Coomera Hope Island all-rounder Phil Tunnicliffe is among those searching for form. Picture: Jason O'Brien

THUNDER SQUAD

Nic Peterson (c) (Southport Labrador)

Matthew Yiend (wk) (Alberton Ormeau)

Phil Tunnicliffe (Coomera Hope Island)

Kevin Chapman (Mudgeeraba Nerang)

Josh Nelson (Mudgeeraba Nerang)

Wade Kilborn (Southport Labrador)

Shane Connors (vc) (Alberton Ormeau)

Corey Galloway (Alberton Ormeau)

Bradley Munro (Mudgeeraba Nerang)

Sam Winton (Queens)

Josh Reid (Southport Labrador)

Connor Brown (Mudgeeraba Nerang)