The Southport School’s Finn Smith, a first XI rookie hailing from rural Qld, with role to play in GPS push

A first XI rookie raised in a remote Queensland town almost 800km away now looms as a crucial figure for The Southport School as they battle to keep their GPS title dream alive.

A FIRST XI rookie raised in a remote Queensland town almost 800km away now looms as a crucial figure for The Southport School as they battle to keep their GPS title dream alive.

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After several years in the TSS cricket system, middle-order batsmen Finn Smith has been elevated into the first XI this season and will make his debut in tomorrow’s clash with Brisbane State High at Village Green.

WHAT SECOND WASHOUT MEANS FOR ALL-CONQUERING TSS FIRST XI

A boarder at TSS, Smith hails from the cattle town of Rolleston, which is located about 300km southwest of Rockhampton and has a population of little more than 300.

As one of only four Year 12 students in the TSS first XI, he will have a vital role to play as Ross Wallace’s side steps out for the first time today following a bye and two washouts.

TSS First XI Cricketer Finn Smith poses for a picture. Photograph : Jason O'Brien

“He likes to get on with the game. He’s filling a role in the late or middle order and it’s still a very important position in GPS cricket because you really need the middle to lower order to get on with it at the end to build a competitive total,” coach Wallace said.

WHAT THE TSS TEAM OF THE DECADE IS DOING NOW

“He’s been here (at TSS) quite a few years. As far as I know he lives on a cattle property out in the bush and most of his time when he goes home is working on the farm.

“He does a lot of cattle work. He’s got a younger brother at the school too and he’s gradually worked his way through the grades and he’s got picked (in the first XI) for the first time this year.

“The players have all got designated roles in the side, they understand their role and the commitments that they have to make to the side.”

DOLPHINS MAKE HAY WHILE SUN SHINES TO EDGE TOWARDS FINALS

While the washouts have put TSS’ hopes of a fourth-straight crown in jeopardy, Wallace said they had not given up hope of an unlikely triumph.

Play begins at 10am tomorrow.