There are enough talented cricketers on the Mid North Coast to give the Regional Big Bash twenty20 competition a shake.
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With the right preparation the Macquarie Coast Stingers have the ability to progress beyond the group stage for the first time and it's why selector Aaron Hagenbach is focused on a different lead-up.
He wants a two or three-week local selection trial before the competition starts that involves six teams to be played midweek or on a Sunday before they settle on the final squad.
Should they do it properly he feels the Stingers would have their best shot at progressing to the Sydney Cricket Ground.
"For kids and young men to be able to play on the SCG I think is a fantastic opportunity and we should be giving them every opportunity to possibly get there," Hagenbach said.
"To give them that best opportunity, we thought let's help them prepare and this is what the T20s will be all about. We want to get these young guys involved and allow them to get some cricket under their belt."
A number of players from around the region including Beechwood, South West Rocks, Kempsey, Wauchope and Taree have already expressed an interest to be selected with the Regional Big Bash currently scheduled for October 23 and 24 in the Northern Rivers.
For kids and young men to be able to play on the SCG I think is a fantastic opportunity and we should be giving them every opportunity to possibly get there.
- Aaron Hagenbach
But with community sport sidelined until New South Wales reaches 80 percent double vaccinations, it appears probable the Regional Bash will be played later in the season.
Hagenbach said the selection trials would then move with the new date.
"As soon as we get the date from Country Cricket NSW I would think they need to provide players with some timeframe in advance of the return-to-play," he said.
"They don't want players to not play cricket and then go straight into a representative game. We would anticipate we would have a few weeks to be able to fit this within our schedule. We don't want to impact on our Saturday local competitions."
Hagenbach said the quality of players remained on the Mid North Coast despite Jared Humphreys and Connor Cook heading elsewhere to further their cricket careers.
Jarrod Prosper, Daniel Adelt, Jak Dobbyns, Tom Burley, Ryan Williams, Nick Smith and Josh Hyde are a few names to have expressed an interest.
"The quality is there," Hagenbach said.
"When you've got guys like Bryce Cook and Cooper Petterson that are really good, young cricketers and join them with some of the Premier League and first grade players, you can pick a balanced and strong team.
"It gives them the best opportunity."
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