Master blasters: The 12 Nitros set to take on the best of Queensland in Country Challenge

A dozen of the most talented cricketers Mackay and the Whitsundays have to offer will take on the best of Queensland at this weekend’s Bulls Masters Country Challenge

Sam Vassallo, Great Barrier Reef Rays, Century Cricket Competition, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay Saturday 3 August 2024 Picture:Michaela Harlow

The Bulls Masters Country Challenge is set to get underway this weekend, with a 12-man representative team from Mackay-Whitsunday Nitros set to take on the very best that cricket in regional Queensland has to offer.

There will be a total of eight teams competing across two pools, with Pool A to feature Darling Downs Suns, Far North Fusion, North Queensland Monsoons and Sunshine Coast Scorchers.

Pool B will include the Nitros along with the Central Queensland Seamers, SEQ Stormers and Wide Bay Flames.

Let’s take a look at what all 12 players set to suit up for the Nitros over the course of Saturday and Sunday have to offer.

Sam Vassallo (c)

The Nitros skipper knows how to make runs in spades across all formats, and will be looking to lead from the front this weekend.

Sam Vassallo (batting) will skipper the Mackay-Whitsunday Nitros for the upcoming Bulls Masters Country Challenge. Picture: Michaela Harlow

Shaun Austin

A talented and aggressive top-order bat, Austin has made a name for himself both in the Mackay Cricket Association for Souths, and in the Mackay T20 Smash.

Joel Bock

A talented cricketer in his own right, Bock has also made a name for himself in the coaching department, where he has been awarded as the Community Coach of the Year in the Queensland Community Cricket Awards.

Isaac Borg

Magpies’ first grade captain, Borg showcased his talents early in the 2024-25 season, with his pair of wickets in economical fashion earning him a mention in our round one team of the week.

Bailey Camilleri

A gun bowler from Pioneer Valley, Camilleri picked up 19 wickets in first grade last season while also showcasing his talents at last year’s Bulls Masters.

Bailey Camilleri. Picture: Michaela Harlow

Darry Dyer

Dyer’s exploits with the bat already this summer have been well documented, with the explosive batter capable of scoring bulk runs in a hurry.

Cody Filewood

A talented all-rounder, Filewood’s efforts have caught the eyes of plenty regardless of whether he’s working with the bat or ball.

Jacob Frerichs

Another hard-hitting batsman that generally occupies the top of the order, Frerichs is more than capable of taking the game away from an opponent all by himself.

Walkerston batter Jacob Frerichs.

Cameron Keene

A middle-order bat who is more than serviceable with the ball, Keene adds a great deal of depth and talent to any side he steps foot in.

Lane Kohler

Another player that offers plenty with either bat or ball in hand, Kohler will only improve the Nitros’ batting stocks over the course of the competition.

Mason Kohler

More highly regarded for his bowling than his brother, Mason has the potential to be extremely damaging if he gets it right.

Mitchell Wadsworth

Wadsworth was a bit hit or miss with the bat during the Mackay T20 Smash, but he showcased his consistency with the ball as he picked up a wicket in each contest, and could well be a reliable option in this competition.

Originally published as Master blasters: The 12 Nitros set to take on the best of Queensland in Country Challenge