The 2020 Gold Coast Thunder representative side has been revealed as the team looks to go back to back in the Bull Masters Twenty20 tournament

Coach Simon Belston believes the success of the Gold Coast Thunder’s 2019 campaign has proved infectious with an unprecedented number of local stars putting their hands up to represent their region.

COACH Simon Belston believes the success of the Gold Coast Thunder’s 2019 campaign has proved infectious with an unprecedented number of local stars putting their hands up to represent their region.

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On Monday Belston unveiled the latest Gold Coast representative side who will travel to Bundaberg Bundaberg for the October 3-4 Bull Masters Twenty20 tournament in the hopes of securing back to back titles.

The Gold Coast Thunder in action at the Bulls Masters Country Challenge Twenty20 cricket final at the Gabba on Sunday, January 19. Picture: Bob Jones

Up for grabs for the top two teams once more is the chance to play at the Gabba in a curtain-raiser to a Brisbane Heat Big Bash League on a date to be confirmed.

Seven players from January’s victorious side, including direct hit run-out hero Nic Peterson, will return for the Thunder.

Phil Tunnicliffe in action for the Gold Coast Thunder at the Bulls Masters Country Challenge Twenty20 cricket final at the Gabba on Sunday, January 19. Picture: Bob Jones

But a handful of retirements and players pursuing premier league cricket has paved the way for five new faces to enter the side, with Belston receiving a flurry of nominations in light of the Thunder’s success.

“It’s been brilliant in that regards because there’s a lot of guys looking to represent their region,” Belston said.

“On the back of last year’s success, I think guys have gotten a taste for it and want to play for higher honours.

“Looking at the side, it’s a very classy side and the core of the group is still there.

“There’s no reason as to why we shouldn’t look to do what we did 12 months ago.”

Belston said he was excited by what youth trio Blake Chapman, Zac Lopez, Brad Munro could bring to the side while also welcoming the addition of Surfers Paradise captain and wicket keeper Claye Beams who is no stranger to the Gabba having played AFL for the Brisbane Lions.

“We always look to try and pick a mix of youth, experience and class and I think we’ve achieved that and we’re very excited to work with the 12 guys we put on the park,” he said.

Mudgeeraba Nerang has a team high three players in the squad, while Southport Labrador has two.

GOLD COAST THUNDER SQUAD

Nic Peterson (C) (Southport Labrador)

Kevin Chapman(Mudgeeraba Nerang)

Phil Tunnicliffe (Coomera Hope Island)

Corey Galloway(Alberton Ormeau)

Wade Kilborn (Southport Labrador)

Josh Nelson (Mudgeeraba Nerang)

Claye Beams (W/K) (Surfers Paradise)

Brad Munro (Mudgeeraba Nerang)

Matt Madeley (Runaway Bay)

Zac Lopez (Palm Beach Currumbin)

Blake Chapman (Queens)

Dhanushka Mitipolarachchi (Broadbeach Robina)

Coach – Simon Belston

Manager - Graeme Madden

Scorer - Paul Baker