Cam Vellacott previews the Wynnum-Manly team for the upcoming KFC T20 Max competition.

Men 

Coach: Ryan Poole 

Captain: Liam Guthrie 

Home Ground: Bill Albury Oval 

T20 Premierships: 2008/09 

2023 Placing: 6th 

 It’s a new year for the Sea Eagles, who will be eager to showcase their skills and start their season off strongly. Their young list is on the improve and ready to step up and compete against the best. Victorian Dylan Brasher and West Australian Joel Curtis provide their top order with two class left-handers. Former Sri Lankan, now local, Jehan Daniel provides great firepower to their middle order, as does Grayson Jones. Thando Ntini, son of Proteas legend Makhaya, brings over 50 professional games of experience as he looks to make his mark in Australia. His fast-bowling combination with Liam Guthrie will be one to watch! 

 Players to Watch 

Ali Nasar announced himself in First Grade last season with two centuries and will no doubt be hungry for more. A rare 360-degree player who can paddle sweep and power hit, Nasar is a nightmare for opposition captains. 

Liam Guthrie performed excellently last season for his adopted Queensland club and expect nothing less this year. Guthrie has serious pace and offers a point of difference as a left-armer. He will be bowling with added fire as he looks to cement his place as a first-choice First Class bowler. 

Women 

 Coach: Sam Curtis 

Captain: Elyse Villani 

Home Ground: Bill Albury Oval 

T20 Premierships: 0 

2023 Placing: 4th 

Missing out on last year’s finals due to net run rate, Wynnum-Manly have brought in arguably this year’s biggest names to their sides across both the men’s and women’s competitions – Elyse Villani and Nicola Carey. Zoe Cooke brings First Class experience and will be crucial with both bat and ball. Thunder batter Tahlia Wilson and Scorcher Chloe Piparo will strengthen the batting, while young Hurricane Hayley Silver-Holmes brings her all-round skill set. Despite her relatively tender age, Clodagh Ryall will be a leader for the side this year. The all-rounder was last year’s fourth leading wicket-taker and scored handy lower order runs. Fellow young all-rounder Grace Collins will also be eager to start her season on a high.  

Players to Watch 

Elyse Villani is one of the country’s top female cricketers and a serious signing for the Sea Eagles. Her skills and leadership will be invaluable in guiding a team full of emerging talents. She is a boundary hitter and has the versatility to play all around the ground and is dangerous in all conditions. 

Nicola Carey has represented Australia on 50 occasions and provides an excellent balance to the roster. Carey is a genuine all-rounder and can change games in all three disciplines. Additionally, her abilities complement a team stacked full of young all-rounders eager to learn.