Meet Mackay’s representative in the North Queensland cricket team

Find out more about the Mackay wicketkeeper who will be representing North Queensland in the XXXX Cup this weekend.

Mackay’s Sam Vassallo will once again be pulling on his North Queensland kit this weekend, as he has been selected to take on South Queensland in the XXXX Cup.

The wicketkeeper, who plays local cricket for Walkerston and has previously represented Mackay-Whitsunday and North Queensland on numerous occasions, said he was excited for another opportunity to represent the region.

“It’s really exciting for me personally, something I try to do every year is keep myself in contention for a place in this side,” he said.

“I’m happy to have the chance to represent Mackay on this stage, it’s pretty cool.

“I debuted for NQ in 2022, this is my fourth chance to play for them, but it’s a spot that I don’t take for granted, there’s always young lads coming through pushing for spots.”

Mackay wicketkeeper Sam Vassallo in action for North Queensland Cricket Association Open. Picture: Supplied

Vassallo keeps wicket and also opens the batting in grade cricket, but he said he would fill a different role with the bat for NQ.

“Getting picked as a wicketkeeper is always tough because there’s only one spot in the team so it’s very competitive,” he said.

“At this level they take keepers as specialist keepers, so my main job will be to not let any byes through and holding all my chances. I’ll also do a bit of a role in the lower or middle order hopefully closing out the innings.

“If I do my part as a keeper then I feel like I’ve achieved my main goal for the competition.”

Vassallo said while he isn’t as young and spry as he once was, he works hard to keep himself in good shape to be able to compete through an intense three days of cricket.

“The missus has had me on a diet for the past couple of months so that helps, but it’s nothing that I’m not used to, I know I’m getting a little bit older but the body seems to hold up okay.”

The team will play off in a T20 match on Friday followed by one-day matches on Saturday and Sunday, with the three matches all to be held in Townsville.

Originally published as Meet Mackay’s representative in the North Queensland cricket team