Cam Vellacott previews the Valleys team for the upcoming KFC T20 Max competition.

Men

Coach: Andrew Gode 

Captain: Usman Khawaja 

Home Ground: Peter Easton Oval 

2023 Placing: 11th  

Underperforming in last year’s KFC T20 Max, expect Valley to be back in a big way this season. Their roster is bursting with talent, starting with none other than Usman Khawaja. Superstar BBL leg-spinner Cameron Boyce will again make the difficult craft look easy, while Mark Steketee will be looking to bowl fast and get his year off to a flyer. Jack Wildermuth will be displaying his class as an all-rounder, and future star Hugh Weibgen will be out to prove his T20 credentials. With such quality local talent available, Valley have only opted for two interstate players – Australian U19 representatives Harry Dixon and Tom Straker, who has moved to Queensland from Sydney after securing a Bulls rookie deal. 

Players to Watch 

Max Bryant has evolved from an all-out blaster to a more measured, still big-hitting batter. It has helped his consistency which was shown across his excellent year in First Grade last season. He has the capabilities to make the best bowlers easy to face, watch out for him this campaign. 

Usman Khawaja oozes class and is simply one of the best players in the world. He has a T20 record which flies under the radar for how excellent it is. He is an absolute privilege to watch, and any chance to see him take on local talent should be taken. 

Women 

Coach: Leteysha Randall  

Captain: Kira Holmes  

Home Ground: Peter Easton Oval 

2023 Placing: 2nd  

Runners up last year, Valley will be looking to go one better this campaign. Despite losing superstar Jess Jonassen who will be overseas, they still have the talent available to be genuine title contenders. Young Queensland Fire batter Kira Holmes will look to go to another level in this year’s campaign. Returning Renegade Emma de Broughe, who is also a former Australian hockey representative, is a strong partner for Holmes at the top of the order. Hurricane Maisy Gibson offers strong batting and leg-spin, and is a great addition to their list. New Zealand fast bowler Shriya Naidu will lead them with the ball. Lucinda Burke is only 18, yet one of the best emerging batters in the state and recently rewarded with a Queensland contract. 

Players to Watch 

Mikayla Hinkley is a star in the competition. Recently departing Queensland and the Heat for Western Australia and the Scorchers, Hinkley’s return is a huge inclusion for Valley. Likely to come in at number three, Hinkley possesses great power and athleticism and is capable of changing gears to suit situations. 

Sianna Ginger finished as the fifth top run-scorer and sixth leading wicket-taker last year and recently was rewarded with a State and WBBL Heat contract. She is an outstanding all-rounder, skilled in all three disciplines. The modern athlete, expect an even better return as she continues to develop and gain exposure at the top level. She really could be the difference between finalists and premiers.