Juniors out to impress selectors
State selectors are on the Gold Coast this week keeping a close eye on the junior championships, with a new state squad to be announced on Thursday. There are more than state titles on the line at this year’s Junior State Championships, with Queensland selectors keeping a close eye on the action on the Gold Coast.
With a new junior state squad set to be announced following the singles final on Thursday, Queensland’s junior bowlers are out to impress this week.
“We have certain qualities we look for in players,” Queensland state coach and selector Bill Cornehls said.
“Obviously their bowling ability and consistency is the major factor, but it’s definitely not the only consideration.
“To have any chance at making the squad you have to be a team player, know how to conduct yourself on and off the green, and be willing to commit to the programme.”
With only 16 places (8 boys and 8 girls) up for grabs, competition is fierce on the Gold Coast.
Of the 16 selected, only 10 will actually make the team to play New South Wales in June and the Australian Junior Championships in September.
“We’ll have a completely new-look boys team for the NSW test,” Cornehls said.
“Of the five-man team that competed at last year’s junior nationals, four will be over 18 when we play NSW.
“Two of last year’s girls team will also graduate from juniors before the test, but that doesn’t mean we won’t have a new-look girls team as well.
“Nobody is guaranteed a spot in the team, or even the squad for that matter, they have to continually earn their place.”