The New South Wales Blues have signed a trio of Under-19 World Cup champions, joining a stacked squad that features fellow recruits Nic Maddinson and Josh Philippe.
On Monday afternoon, Cricket NSW unveiled its 25-player men’s squad for the 2024/25 season, which includes five rookie contracts. A further seven players earned Cricket Australia contracts — Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott and Steve Smith.
Maddinson, who has represented Australia in three Tests and six T20Is, returns to his home state after a six-season stint at Victoria. The left-hander made his first-class debut for New South Wales in 2010, leading the Blues in six Sheffield Shield matches during the 2015/16 season.
Former West Australian gloveman Philippe has also joined the Blues after playing six seasons with the Sydney Sixers, winning two Big Bash League titles in magenta.
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“Nic (Maddinson) and Josh (Philippe) bring experience and also a familiarity with our players, coaches and the NSW set-up so their transition should be seamless,” Blues coach Greg Shipperd said in a statement.
“Both Nic and Josh have played for their country, but we believe both have the ability to further develop their individual games and grow as cricketers and people. It’s going to be exciting to watch their journey.
“Putting together a successful squad requires a balance between experienced and emerging talent and we believe we are developing that balance well.”
Meanwhile, teenage prodigy Sam Konstas has been awarded a state contract after making his Sheffield Shield debut for NSW last summer, also helping Australia win this year’s Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. National teammates Ryan Hicks and Charlie Anderson, who also featured in February’s triumphant final against India in South Africa, have been offered rookie contracts.
Joining them in the NSW squad are Australian representatives Moises Henriques, Jackson Bird, Chris Tremain, Kurtis Patterson, Ben Dwarshuis, Chris Green and Tanveer Sangha.
Former Australian Under-19 captain Jason Sangha, who represented NSW in 37 Sheffield Shield matches following his first-class debut in 2018, elected to pursue further opportunities with another state — the 24-year-old has been linked with South Australia.
Baxter Holt, Ross Pawson, Blake Macdonald and Hunar Verma have not been offered contracts, while David Warner drops off the list ahead of his international retirement.
“Each of those players have given wholehearted support to the Blues program and it is difficult to see them depart,” Cricket NSW Chief of Cricket Performance Greg Mail said in a statement.
“We wish each of them the best in the next steps of their cricketing journeys.”
The Blues finished this summer’s Marsh Cup as runners-up and placed third in the Sheffield Shield.
New South Wales 2024-25 squad
* indicates CA contract
Sean Abbott*, Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins*, Oliver Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hackney, Ryan Hadley, Liam Hatcher, Josh Hazlewood*, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Sam Konstas, Nathan Lyon*, Nic Maddinson, Blake Nikitaras, Jack Nisbet, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Steve Smith*, Mitchell Starc*, Chris Tremain, Adam Zampa*.
Rookies: Charlie Anderson, Joel Davies, Ryan Hicks, Will Salzmann, Lachlan Shaw