Central Qld cricket guns Joe McGahan, Logan Whitfield, Jason Wells ready to fire for Qld Country

They were pivotal in the Bulls Masters Country Challenge grand final victory. Now three local cricket stars want a similar result against the nation’s best country players.

Central Queensland duo Joe McGahan and Logan Whitfield will play for the Queensland Country men's team, which is coached by Jason Wells (centre).

Fresh from their Gabba glory, three members of the victorious CQ Seamers contingent are chasing more success at the Australian Country Cricket Championships.

All-rounder Joe McGahan and spinner Logan Whitfield are in the Queensland Country team, which is coached by Jason Wells.

The championships started in Newcastle today (Wednesday) and will run to January 10, with men’s teams playing a round robin competition in both 50-over and T20 formats.

Check out your guide to the Australian Country Cricket Championships here

McGahan and Whitfield were integral members of the CQ Seamers, also coached by Wells, which won the Bulls Masters Country Challenge grand final at the Gabba last week.

CQ Seamers skipper Joe McGahan starred with bat and ball to be named Player of the Final.

McGahan will be keen to replicate the form for Queensland which saw him named Player of the Final in the showdown on Brisbane’s hallowed turf.

The inspirational captain took 4/31 off four overs as the Seamers limited opponents Far North Fusion to 9/162 off their 20 overs.

Opening the batting, he then blasted 55 runs off 21 balls to lay the platform for his team’s run chase.

Jeff Case scored a classy 59 and Luke Johnstone finished on 24 not out as the Seamers reached the required total in the 17th over.

Wells said it was a fitting way for his team to end a stellar campaign.

“Just to get to the Gabba is something that’s special for the country cricketers. There’s other tournaments that you try to win as well but that’s a special carrot,” he said.

The CQ Seamers celebrate their Bulls Masters Country Challenge grand final win at the Gabba.

“To play the way we did, which was very good, and to win it has created memories these guys will never forget.”

Wells said it was “very special” to get the win and equally as satisfying was the chance for him and the players to head to the supporters’ bay post-match to be greeted by and celebrate with family and friends.

“That’s probably my favourite part - if I can play a little role in getting that experience for everyone else, that’s what makes me most happy,” he said.

Wells would also be pretty chuffed if Queensland Country could take the title in Newcastle - and he believes he has the line-up to give it a good shake.

“I think we’ve got a well-balanced side, a very fit side, and there’s a lot of good guys there who I think will do well,” he said.

“What makes me excited about the next couple of weeks is there’s plenty of match-winners in this team.”

Originally published as Central Qld cricket guns Joe McGahan, Logan Whitfield, Jason Wells ready to fire for Qld Country