NQ AIM TO TRANSLATE POTENTIAL INTO FORM

CRAIG Mcelligott is adamant North Queensland has assembled the strongest 12-man squad it has in almost a decade, but still he refuses to claim them favourites.

North Queensland escaped with a win and a draw in their two games against Cricket Far North last summer, and finished on top of the zone championships due to net run rate.

But Mcelligott was adamant the dominance their northern neighbours had shown over the past five years of the tournament could not be ignored.

North Queensland has added plenty of starch to its squad this season with the arrival of Queensland Country duo Sam Lowry and Chris Stanger, as well as the return of former representative regulars Jamie Heit and Mark Taviani.

“I think (it’s our strongest squad) for a while,” Mcelligott said. “I think it is a bit of a combination of some good young kids coming through and then we have also had some experience, some Queensland Country players, come back into the fold. It creates a lot more depth, which is good.

“It is a reflection on Townsville Cricket as well, over the last few years it has been at its strongest I think. We have a strong side, but that is only on paper obviously.

“Over the last few years (Far North) have proven themselves as a quality side and that was evident in them making the semi-final of the Bulls Masters (last month).

“Guys like Jake Roach and Justin Reid are quality players. Roachy got 90 something in the semi-final of the Bulls Masters. Guys like that can take the game away from you in a heartbeat. It only takes one bloke to get going and the paper means nothing.”

North Queensland has picked a side on form this season, with most of their top order proving themselves with the bat in the early rounds of the summer season as well as the Mendi Tropical Big Bash.

Mcelligott leads the Townsville Cricket run scorers this season with 204 at an average of 51, while his explosive 155 against Northern Beaches a fortnight ago proved how damaging he could be against Far North.

But there are runs all the way down the card for North Queensland, with all-rounder Justin Dixon leading the way for averages this season with 70.50 after three innings.

“I think we have got a really balanced team. We have plenty of options,” Mcelligott said. “When we have warm-ups, (coach Brad Stout) is hitting balls to two fielders. In terms of bowling there are about nine blokes we could use and likewise with the bat.

“At the Bulls Masters Adam Zabala, who bats four or five in club cricket, was our non-batting 12th man. We have a good amount of depth there and so many options. That is what I am looking forward to the most.”