Australia's U19 World Cup heroes set to earn senior Queensland deals

Australia's victorious under-19 World Cup quartet is poised for a big leap into the senior ranks with Queensland, with Callum Vidler and Lachlan Aitken eyeing their debut pro contracts. Leading the pack, skipper Hugh Weibgen is set to upgrade from a rookie to a full-fledged contract. Additionally, reports suggest that Queensland has swooped in to nab fast bowler Tom Straker from New South Wales. 

These four, including Tom Campbell, who narrowly missed out, showcased their skills in Australia's sensational U19 World Cup final triumph over India last February. Vidler is reportedly sealing a full contract alongside Weibgen, while Aitken and Straker are set to secure rookie deals for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Queensland are expected to unveil their men's contract roster for the next season later this week.

"'Stek' (Mark Steketee) and 'X' (Xavier Bartlett) have had a really good season and they're very good bowlers, so I can learn so much off them not just on the field but off (the field as well). It's just awesome to have people like that around. Even when I was running drinks (the game prior to his debut), it was an awesome experience,” said Vidler as quoted by cricket.com.au.

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"I've been very lucky that Queensland have given me a go early and hopefully I can play a few more (next season). Hopefully put on some size. I'll have an off-season where I hit the weights and try to eat more,” he added.

Queensland is on lookout for academy coach

Queensland's men's team is in a rebuilding phase, having ended last in the Shield for the first time in 16 years and fifth in the Marsh One-Day Cup. Additionally, they bid farewell to head coach Wade Seccombe after the 2023-24 season. The team will aim to enhance integration between junior and senior setups by appointing an academy coach to oversee both men's and women's state programs, fostering stronger links between youth pathways and the senior squads.