Belief not hope is the word for Liam
“TRUST your game.”
That’s the advice from Gold Coast coach Chris Swan as Dolphins all-rounder Liam HopeShackley prepares for the biggest moment of his career.
A breakthrough season that has yielded four centuries and 28 wickets produced another highlight during the week when the 26-year-old was named in the Queensland Second XI to face ACT/NSW Country at Allan Border Field in Brisbane from Monday.
Having enjoyed a successful 31-game first-class career with the Bulls, Swan said HopeShackley now just had to believe in himself.
“Trust your game,” Swan said when asked what advice he had for his protégé.
“He’s been doing well at this level. He’s picked to play like him. Four hundreds and 28 wickets in a season, it’s not to be sneezed at. He’s definitely earned his spot.
“Queensland Cricket want Premier (Grade) clubs producing future Queensland players. Next week is testament to what the club is about.”
With 771 runs at 55.07 and 28 wickets at 20.29 under his belt, Hope-Shackley will be joined in the side by Dolphins captain Matt Kuhnemann.
Gold Coast teammates Max Bryant and Xavier Bartlett will also play for Queensland in their Sheffield Shield battle with Victoria at the Gabba that coincides with the second XI fixture.
With Michael Neser in Melbourne on Australia A duties ahead of the four-day clash against England Lions beginning today, Swan said the Dolphins were doing their job in preparing players for the next level.
“I guarantee there is not a Premier Grade club in Australia
that would have one Australia A representative, two Sheffield Shield reps and two Second XI reps. That is what the club is all about,” he said.
“Premierships are great and they create lifelong memories but it’s very, very hard when you’re constantly providing for the next level up. That’s why we hang out hats on guys like Michael Neser.
“We’ve also had Hugo Burdon and Jack Cooper play for Queensland Under-19s, our second grade’s likely going to be playing finals cricket and we’re constantly moving up the club championship.”
While fast bowler Bartlett will be rested ahead of the Shield outing, Hope-Shackley, Kuhnemann and Bryant will take their places for the Dolphins in today’s must-win oneday game against Wests at Graceville.
Sitting fifth, Gold Coast must beat the Bulldogs and win their final two-dayer against Sandgate-Redcliffe, while hoping Norths drop a game, to reach the semi finals.
“It’s obviously must-win (today). We got fairly well outplayed by them in the Twenty20s so we’ve got a big revenge day,” Swan said.
“They’ve got their Queensland bowler, Blake Edwards, playing so it will be a good challenge for our batsmen to see where they’re at.”