Burleigh turn to star batsman Rhys McCarthy to fill player-coach role vacated by Simon Belston

BURLEIGH have turned to a New Zealand star for guidance as they launch their assault on back-to-back premierships in Cricket Gold Coast’s Kookaburra Cup.

BURLEIGH president Steve Miller says new coach Rhys McCarthy is tackling the role in his own way as the defending premiers fight to fill the sizeable void left by Simon Belston.

With Englishman Belston taking up a new challenge as player-coach at Southport Labrador after steering Burleigh to a maiden Kookaburra Cup crown last season, the Bullsharks have handed the coaching reins to star batsman McCarthy.

The New Zealand native took the first grade competition by storm in his first season, amassing 704 runs at an average of 35.20 to top the runscorers’ list.

The club’s quest for back-to-back premierships began last week with the launch of pre-season training, while McCarthy will return from a short stint in his homeland on Saturday.

SOUTHPORT SIGNING ‘THE SAME PEDIGREE AS MARK WOOD’

Burleigh celebrate last season’s Kookaburra Cup triumph. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Miller said Belston’s absence would be felt, but insisted McCarthy had the skills to maintain the Bullsharks’ success.

“Simon is a large character. He takes up a lot of the room when he’s in it,” Miller said.

“Rhys is significantly different and there will be a different way he attacks the role. He’ll talk to the guys quietly and lead by example.

New Burleigh player-coach Rhys McCarthy.

‘SAHARA DESERT’ FIELD DRAMA TAKES ANOTHER TURN

“He’s probably been in the role for two-and-a-half months (doing) background work and talking to players and sourcing external players to come into the club and he’s done a tremendous job.

“(He) was one of the first signings I really wanted to anchor down. It took a little while to get him over the line (for the coaching role).

“Self-confidence is not something he’s great with but he’s really taken control of the job and I’ve been really impressed with him.”

Now the hunted for the first time, Miller said the 2018-19 campaign would present new challenges for the playing group.

HEROES, VILLAINS AND MORE IN BULLETIN’S WEEKLY REPORT CARD

“We understand that and prefer that. It’s always tough to go back-to-back but we’re confident we have got the right people on board in the right places.

“It’s about being competitive every year and if you’re competitive every year, you will get your share of premierships.”