Jackson Bird returns to Tasmania as Tigers unveil settled 2025-26 squad
Tasmania’s all-time leading wicket-taker Jackson Bird headlines a largely unchanged Tigers outfit for the 2025-26 domestic season, joined by Queensland left-armer Marcus Bean in a squad boosted by three players earning national contracts. Check out the full squad here.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Tasmanian Tigers have finalised their men’s squad for the 2025-26 domestic cricket season, headlined by the return of veteran paceman Jackson Bird.
Bird, Tasmania’s all-time leading wicket-taker, rejoins the side after two seasons with New South Wales and will add valuable experience as the Tigers chase their first Sheffield Shield title since 2012-13.
Joining him is left-arm quick Marcus Bean, another interstate recruit who continues the recent trend of Queenslanders relocating south.
The core of the squad remains intact, with Riley Meredith, Jake Weatherald, Kieran Elliott and rising all-rounder Nick Davis all re-signing.
Nathan Ellis, Matt Kuhnemann and Beau Webster have earned national contracts, marking the highest Tasmanian presence on the list since 2013-14.
Jarrod Freeman is the only omission from last season’s contracted group.
Head coach Jeff Vaughan welcomed the stability of the squad.
“Continuity is a key factor in any successful domestic squad … We have several players ready to take the next step.” Vaughan said.
With minimal changes and a strong mix of experience and emerging talent, the Tigers will look to build on last season’s foundation and challenge across all formats in 2025-26.
Young Gun Sara Kennedy Signs with Tasmanian Tigers
Tasmanian cricket fans can expect to hear a lot more about one of the country’s most promising young talents, with 17-year-old pace bowler Sara Kennedy joining the Tasmanian Tigers on a two-year deal.
The left-arm quick from Skipton, in southwest Victoria, made her WNCL debut for Victoria last summer — ironically against Tasmania at Ninja Stadium — and is now set to call the Apple Isle home as she continues her rise through the national ranks.
“I’m really looking forward to joining the Tigers family down south,” Kennedy said.
“I can’t wait to get around the group and begin to work towards improving as a bowler and a teammate in a super-experienced environment!”
A fast and aggressive bowler, Kennedy burst onto the national scene during WBBL|09 when she made her debut for the Melbourne Renegades at just 16. In 11 matches, she’s claimed best figures of 2/20 and impressed with her pace and composure under pressure.
Her performances have also earned recognition at the national level. Kennedy has been part of the Australian Women’s U19 program since she was 15, named as a reserve for the 2023 U19 World Cup and selected in the main squad for the 2025 edition in Malaysia — where Tasmanian Pathways Coach Natalie Schilov served as an assistant coach.
Her breakout season was further capped when she received the prestigious Australian Cricket Society’s Young Player of the Year award, joining an elite list of past winners including Mel Jones, current Tigers captain Elyse Villani, and Meg Lanning.
Salliann Beams, Cricket Tasmania’s High Performance General Manager, said Kennedy was a major addition to the squad and someone they had tracked closely.
“We have kept a close eye on Sara over the last 12 months and are confident we have an environment where we can harness her talent and unique skillet to be an asset for Tasmanian cricket,” Beams said.
“She is someone who can bowl with real venom and offers a point of difference to our squad, bowling with her left arm.
“I know that Jude is excited to be working with Sara, and I believe she can have an immediate impact and can play at the highest level.”
Kennedy becomes the second major signing for Tasmania ahead of the 2025-26 season, joining fellow fast bowler Courtney Sippel, with a number of key re-signings expected to be announced in the coming week.
NTFA: Struggling Lions issue public plea for help
University of Tasmania Lions may be battling on the field, but they’ve made some suggestions on how the footy community can help. Read what the club had to say here.
Revealed: The stunning response to Targa Tasmania’s return
Targa Tasmania isn’t set to be held for another six months but the demand for entries has forced organisers into an unprecedented move. Here’s what we know.