Gold Coast Dolphins coach Chris Swan says Liam Hope-Shackley has talent to play for Queensland

GOLD Coast Dolphins coach Chris Swan has paid Liam Hope-Shackley the ultimate compliment after watching the explosive all-rounder tear Redlands apart in Saturday’s one-day triumph.

GOLD Coast Dolphins coach Chris Swan believes Liam Hope-Shackley has the talent to play for Queensland after watching the explosive all-rounder tear Redlands apart in Saturday’s one-day triumph.

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Having arrived at the crease with his side in trouble at 5-76, Hope-Shackley smashed 127 not out from 112 balls – including 11 fours and five sixes – to lay the platform for the Dolphins’ 68-run win.

The 27-year-old combined superbly with teenage second drop Hugo Burdon (87 from 112 balls) to launch a rescue mission that lifted the hosts to 7-287 from their 50 overs.

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Desperate to make amends for a disappointing bowling effort in their Round 1 loss to Wynnum Manly, the hosts then dismissed Redlands for 219 in the 44th over, with legspinner Burdon again starring with 3-48.

Gold Coast all-rounder Liam Hope Shackley. Picture: Steve Holland)

Captain Matt Kuhnemann (2-27), Jack Cooper (2-34) and Xavier Bartlett (2-72) also claimed multiple scalps, with Josh Kann taking 1-35.

It was the second first-grade ton for Hope-Shackley, who has shown glimpses of brilliance during his four seasons with the club.

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“Shack is explosive in any form of cricket, he could play cricket for Queensland tomorrow in white-ball cricket,” Swan, a Bulls regular between 2006-12, said.

“He and Hugo put together a beautiful partnership. It was 5-70 when they came together and they just played smart cricket.

“We were always scoring at about four an over anyway so while we were losing wickets, we were still scoring. We know that we do bat very, very deep.

“Consistency is key (for Liam). There are players that have been bashing the door season after season after season and often don’t get a crack at the next level or only get a fleeting chance.

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“Shack needs to do it again and again and again and when he gets bored of doing that, keep doing it. In the meantime, he just need to focus on getting some consistent performances for the Dolphins.”

Dolphins teen Hugo Burdon. Picture: Steve Holland

Swan also reserved praise for Burdon, whose performance highlighted the growing confidence within the group.

“Hugo Burdon was brilliant in weathering that early storm and just showed maturity for such a young player. He’s definitely on the right path,” Swan said of the 17-year-old.

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“The boys never, ever, ever give up. It’s a sign of a good team, a good culture. They believe they can win a game from any position.”

Now all but assured of a quarterfinal berth, the Dolphins travel to Valleys in their third and final one-day fixture on Saturday.