Skipper’s wise words for Dolphins star Liam Hope-Shackley after snubbing by Queensland selectors

Kuhnemann, one of the six Gold Coasters in the Queensland squad, said missing out was an opportunity for both to continue to improve on their games.

The Gold Coast Dolphins new first grade captain Matt Kuhnemann,pictured during training at Robina. Pic Mike Batterham

More than a quarter of the Queensland Bulls 2020/21 cricket squad can trace their roots to the Gold Coast but Dolphins skipper Matt Kuhnemann says he expects that number to grow in future.

Dolphins batsmen Liam Hope-Shackley and Hugo Burdon will have to bide their time for their next shot at a Queensland contract after missing out on the upcoming season.

Kuhnemann, one of the six Gold Coasters in the Queensland squad, said missing out was an opportunity for both to continue to improve on their games.

More Bulletin Cricket

■ Nine wickets, five overs; Legendary Coast bowling spell

■ Why all Coast cricketers could be on the move next week

■ How test scalps and a day on the p--- helped Chris Swan’s Bulls career

The Gold Coast Dolphins new first grade captain Matt Kuhnemann,pictured during training at Robina. Pic Mike Batterham

If they can, Kuhnemann believes they have the ability to force selectors hands and earn their place in the squad.

“Liam (Hope-Shackley) definitely has the talent – he has all the skills,” he said.

“It’s pretty crazy how far he can hit a ball and crank it up (with his pace bowling) when he wants to.

“He’s obviously had a standout season, the best of his career, but for Liam it’s about whether he can go one better and do even better next year.

“If he can show some consistency in grade cricket that’s what the great players do.”

For The Southport School product Hugo Burdon, 19, it’s about gaining experience in competition against men.

Day two of Queensland Premier Cricket game between Gold Coast and Valleys at Bill Pippen Oval, Robina. Dolphins batsman Hugo Burdon. Pic Mike Batterham

The young batsman showed his mental toughness over the course of the season, notching a gritty century in a must-win clash in the wet against Wests.

It’s a sure sign there is more to come, Kuhnemann said.

“I think he’s definitely one for the future,” he said.

“He’s shown this year he has immense talent and he’s still only young.

“He’s really mature for his age and I’m excited to see where he goes.”

Dolphins Kuhnemann, Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant and Michael Neser earned re-selection in the squad alongside exiled Gold Coaster Billy Stanlake (South Brisbane).