Burleigh Bullsharks announce two-year Kookaburra Cup player-coach deal with Jimmy Spargo

Burleigh have pulled off a major coup in their ambition to return to the top of the Kookaburra Cup by signing ace batsman Jimmy Spargo as player-coach.

BURLEIGH have pulled off a major coup in their ambition to return to the top of the Kookaburra Cup by signing ace batsman Jimmy Spargo as player-coach.

A former Gold Coast Dolphins and Valleys player at grade level, Spargo captained Queensland Country last summer.

The right-hander accrued 1500 runs at an average of 42.86 across the past three seasons at Queens, with whom he played a key role in clinching the 2016-17 premiership.

Spargo coached the Centaurs last season.

Queensland Country captain Jimmy Spargo. Picture: Jonathan Smith

The Bullsharks have announced his signing on a two-year contract.

Burleigh stunned the competition by taking the title two years ago and were well placed to go back-to-back until the wheels fell off their 2018-19 campaign after Christmas. They ultimately exited in the semi-finals.

Spargo’s recruitment comes at a timely moment, given the club are rebuilding with a change of coach, president and first grade captain from last year’s trio of Rhys McCarthy, Steve Miller and TJ Miller.

Rhys McCarthy. Picture: Mike Batterham

What now for McCarthy?

It’s long been known that McCarthy, arguably the competition’s premier batsman, would not be returning to the Bullsharks coaching role.

Is there room for both Spargo and McCarthy in the one side? The club have indicated they are confident the latter will return, which would make for a formidable middle-order core.

Will there be two Spargos in maroon next summer?

Brothers Jimmy and Mick Spargo spent the past three seasons playing together at Queens.

An obvious question is will Mick follow his brother south now?

Mick improved with every campaign at Queens, lifting his Kookaburra Cup average from 26.75 to 31.5 to 34.8 year-on-year.

Jimmy and Mick Spargo during their time at Queens. Picture: Regi Varghese

Can Burleigh challenge immediately for another premiership?

Usually when a club experiences such drastic change – i.e. turnover in the central roles of coach, president and captain – it involves a step backwards to rebuild.

Burleigh, however, could be in a position to fast-track their return to being a contender with the appointment of Spargo.

After a season of unparalleled competitiveness across every club, the 2019-20 race is wide open.