Coyle to oversee new club’s entry into CTPL competition

TASMANIA’S only Sheffield Shield-winning coach will help oversee the Greater Northern Raiders’ entry into the CTPL competition.

Greater Northern Raiders are ready to enter the CTPL.

TASMANIA’S only Sheffield Shield-winning coach will help oversee the Greater Northern Raiders’ entry into the CTPL competition next summer.

Tim Coyle, who led the Tigers to three shield crowns, will coach — when national commitments allow — the outfit from the North and North-West of the state as it embarks on a historic phase in cricket. The Raiders will enter the southern competition in a move designed to allow the best players from the northern region to compete against first-class opposition, without the requirement to relocate to Hobart.

Former Tigers coach Tim Coyle.

However, Coyle said while the concept was a step forward, there would be some hurdles which needed to be cleared to ensure the side was competitive not only immediately but into the future.

“I think there are a lot of things that need to be done with cricket in the North of the state. This initiative is a good one as it gives the players something to focus on in the pathway in their own region,” Coyle said.

“They can play in the strongest competition in the state, really challenge themselves against the best players, that is really good for the individuals who chose to do that.”

Meanwhile, the winner of the CTPL Twenty20 crown will, from 2018-19, take part in a new national club competition.

Ten clubs from the states’ and territories’ respective T20 competitions will qualify for the national event — NSW and Victoria will each send two teams — to be held next March in Adelaide.