South Wagga have lost plenty of experience ahead of their delayed Wagga Cricket defence but are looking to rely on their up and coming talent.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Jeremy Rowe and Warren Clunes have both indicated they won't be back as the club looks to win a third title in the past four seasons while Nathan Cooke is sidelined after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament playing for Wagga Tigers.
The Blues don't have any new faces. Instead captain Luke Gerhard is looking to call upon their younger talent, many of whom had a taste of first grade last season.
"We've lost a couple of players in Rowey and Wags (Clunes) so we're looking to bring through our young fellas and give them a crack," Gerhard said.
"They had a bit of a taste it last year so we;ll be looking to lean on those young fellas this year and use our senior experience to guide them.
"Hopefully they step up a little bit more."
READ MORE
Gerhard expects to see more of Connor McGinn, Connor Willis, Noah Harper and Nathan Butt in first grade this season.
While sidelined through injury, Cooke has come on board to share the coaching role with Joel Robinson.
Clunes, who is a premiership-winning captain of Wagga City, helped coach the Blues last season while Rowe was captain of their drought-breaking title three seasons ago.
Gerhard admitted there is a void to fill, especially with Cooke's absence putting more pressure on their pace bowling options.
"He's a hard one to replace Cookey as he's a handy all-rounder and is good in the field," he said. "We're definitely going to miss him this year as he looks to get his knee right for next year."
Gerhard is hoping to see more of Jed Guthrie this season after struggling with injury last season.
Wagga Cricket are looking to start their season on November 5, with community sport allowed to start after NSW hits the 80 per cent double vaccination rate.
Only those double vaccinated will be allowed to play until December.
It adds to an unusual dynamic preparing to start the season.
"We'll start to have everyone who has been fully vaccinated back training from now on and aim for early November and if it is any later it just means we get more training in before the season starts," Gerhard said.