T20 Max Preview - Sunshine Coast

Men

Sunshine Coast

Coach: Brad Wigney

Captain: TBC

Home Ground: Ken Emery Oval

A new look Sunshine Coast outfit will be looking to make waves this KFC T20 Max. The loss of longtime key contributors opens the door to young talent looking to show the club and competition their best.

Former Queensland Bull and Western Suburbs player Sam Truloff will call Ken Emery Oval home this season. His relocation to the Scorchers provides their top order with consistency, class and experience. Truloff has been arguably the premier batter in First Grade across the last three seasons, and will be hoping to continue that form at his new club.

Missing finals in last years T20 Max by only a point, the Scorchers will be hoping their interstate recruits can help guide them to a finals berth.

Melbourne Renegades opening batter Mackenzie Harvey will be looking to get the team off to a flyer. While young in age, Harvey has been in the Victorian state setup and Renegades Big Bash side for five years now and has plenty of domestic and BBL experience. South Australian bowling allrounder Liam Scott and Papua New Guinea bowler Chad Soper will be leading the Scorchers bowling unit.

Homegrown heroes Josh Matthews and Nick Selman will be crucial for the Coast’s tilt at playing finals. Both players have shown their ability to succeed for the Scorchers, and will be relied upon heavily in the middle order. Selman, with a wealth of English playing experience, will be a key performer.

Player to watch: Jay Lenton – Lenton’s addition to the Sunny Coast is a two fold win. He has over 10 years experience for NSW, Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixes as a player, as well as being an assistant coach for the Sydney Sixes. He will be able to lead the side through words and action, leading on and off the field as a player, coach and mentor. His signing could have a significant impact on the scoreboard through both his playing and coaching ability.

Player to watch: Sam Truloff – After not having his State contract renewed, watch out for Sam Truloff. Not a known big hitter, he will be out to prove his manipulation of fields and gap hitting is just as effective on the scoresheet. He has scored over 3000 runs in the past three seasons, and will be wanting to KFC T20 Max to kick start his search for 4000 runs in four seasons.

Women

After an impressive performance last year, where they secured a spot in the semi-finals, Sunshine Coast is poised to make an even greater impact this time around.

One of the most exciting aspects of the team's preparation for this year's tournament is the acquisition of several talented players.

A host of New South Wales recruits including Hannah Darlington, Saskia Horley, Isabella Malgioglio, and Claire Moore are ready to showcase their skills and contribute to Sunshine Coast's success.

Additionally, the inclusion of the hard-hitting Rachael Priest from New Zealand adds an international flair to the squad, infusing it with experience and diversity.

Alongside these crucial recruits, Queensland Fire contracted pace bowlers Lucy Hamilton and Bonnie Berry will return and are set to take the competition by storm, with their experience within the professional camp alighting their strategic game plans. 

However, as new stars join the roster, some familiar faces have departed. Ellie Johnston, who anchored batting innings last season, has switched to Wynnum-Manly, whilst the talents of Georgie Boyce and Amy Hunter, have taken their cricketing journey to the UK and ACT respectively. 

The Sunshine Coast region’s Coach and Talent Specialist, Brady Barnett will become the new Head Coach for the Women’s First Grade side this season.

His strategic insights and leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the team's performance. T

he team's remarkable performance in the 2022 season, reaching the semi-finals, showcases their potential and determination.

Building on this foundation, Sunshine Coast is eager to clinch the title this time. With a winning combination of talent, strategy, and determination, they are undoubtedly a team to watch out for, as their journey becomes a highlight of the tournament. 

Coach: Brady Barnett 

Captain: Mikayla Wrigley 

2022 Placing: Semi Finalists 

T20 Premierships: 2021/22 

Players In: 

• Hannah Darlington (NSW) 
• Saskia Horley (NSW) 
• Isabella Malgioglio (NSW) 
• Claire Moore (NSW) 
• Rachael Preist (New Zealand) 

Players Out: 

• Ellie Johnston (Wynnum) 
• Georgie Boyce (UK)
• Amy Hunter (ACT) 

Players To Watch 

Ruth Johnston – the invigorating, and dynamic Ruth Johnston will return to the Coast this year as a crucial leader in all departments. This previous Kath Smith Medallist has set ablaze in the professional space, taking career best figures of 4/8 and cementing herself as a dominant T20 batter, able to clear nearly any bowler over the rope. Her experience with the Hobart Hurricanes and Queensland Fire has uplifted her to take charge of the Coast’s innings and produce some match-winning performances as the dynamic all-rounder she is and has shown in critical moments for her sides. 

 Hannah Darlington - known for her explosive batting and lethal pace bowling, Hannah Darlington has already left a mark in the professional space and is ready to reveal her strengths in Queensland. Darlington’s breakout year in 2021 was nothing short of special, winning the Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year award, being named captain of the Sydney Thunder and making her ODI and T20I debuts. Her recent inclusion in the Sunshine Coast team will add tenacity, maturity and a wealth of knowledgeable insights for the extensive challenges the 2023 KFC T20 Max will deliver.