Big Beau on Canes’ radar as more stars re-sign

The Hurricanes have locked up two more stars long term, but luring a Test star home is also on their radar after they shoot for a first BBL title. Get the latest here.

The Hurricanes are keen for Beau Webster to return to the franchise. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Hurricanes coach Jeff Vaughan is hopeful Test star Beau Webster will wear purple next year, and form a lethal all-rounder strike package with re-signed younger ‘clone’ Mitch Owen.

Owen’s breakout campaign has been one of the stories of the BBL season, with the decision to thrust him into an opening role proving pivotal in their march to Tuesday night’s home ‘Qualifier’ against Sydney Sixers.

But with success comes outside interest and reports have surfaced the Adelaide Strikers, coached by Tasmania favourite Tim Paine, were interested in luring the big hitting 23-year-old to South Australia.

However the Hurricanes announced on Sunday they have re-signed Owen and fast bowler Riley Meredith on three year deals.

It’s a huge pre-finals boost, and follows skipper Nathan Ellis and Ben McDermott also extending their long tenures in Hobart with new three year deals this week.

Destructive batter Tim David is yet to recommit before the Hurricanes look to secure their first title in coming days.

The prospect of Webster playing all his domestic cricket at home after two incredible seasons, culminating in his Test debut in Sydney, will create strong interest.

Beau Webster. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Asked if he was confident Webster could return home full time after playing for both Melbourne franchises since 2017-18, Vaughan said: “We don’t really know, we’d certainly love to have Beau for 12 months of the year.

“We’d love to have him in Tassie green and Hurricanes purple.

“We’re hopeful we can continue to add quality players and quality people to our program. “Beau is a passionate Tasmanian as well, so hopefully that’s something that can play out over the next weeks and months.”

Vaughan said it has to be expected high performing players will attract interest from elsewhere, but locking down four stars already is a major step toward keeping most of the group together.

“It (outside interest) is part of our game and professional sport,” he said.

“We’ve been pretty obvious with what we’ve been trying to achieve, and the list we’re trying to put together.

Tim David. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“I’m pretty confident the boys all want to stay together, but they’ve got a profession as well they need to explore.

“We’re very hopeful we can keep all our pieces of the puzzle. Because it’s a pretty exciting puzzle at the moment we’re putting together.”

“That’s certainly in our planning that hopefully we can have all our boys re-signing.”

The Hurricanes will play Webster and the Stars on Sunday night, but are already guaranteed top spot after seven straight wins.

The Stars need to win to leapfrog Perth into fourth and grab the last finals spot.

The winner of the Hurricanes-Sixers earn the right to host the grand final (Decider), with the loser to take on the winner of the Sydney Thunder-Scorchers/Stars eliminator for the second spot in the finale.