22 Jun 2022The Northern Districts Men’s Programme have confirmed their initial 15 contracted players as part of the first round of domestic contract offers today.
The majority of the Super Smash winning Northern Brave squad is back, headed by Daniel Vettori Medal winner Joe Walker – a consistent performer with the ball across all three formats – and Jeet Raval – the leading run scorer in across all three formats in 2021/22 with over 900 runs.
BLACKCAPS spinner Ish Sohdi had previously advised he will remain in Christchurch for the upcoming domestic season, meanwhile Brett Randell has been offered an opportunity elsewhere.
ND Young Male Player of the Year Tim Pringle is awarded his first domestic contract after an impressive year. Pringle was a key member for Northern District’s A team and was selected for an NZ XI during the recent tour of the Netherlands to New Zealand.
Head Coach Graeme Aldridge is looking forward to leading a squad with variety in its bowling attack, especially with the addition of Pringle who this week made his international debut for the Netherlands against England.
“Adding Tim Pringle into the mix, together with the Walker brothers means our spin bowling stocks are at a high and with the rest of the bowlers presents a really exciting prospect over all three formats,” said Aldridge who will link up with the BLACKCAPS as bowling coach next month before commencing pre-season training.
“On the whole it is a very settled squad. We have a good mix of experience and younger players that will give us plenty of options over the upcoming summer, and when you add in the Blackcaps we have access to when they are available means we’re very happy with the teams that we will be able to put out,” Aldridge concluded.
His statements were echoed by Ian Sandbrook, GM Performance and Talent.
“With 14 players returning to the contracted players list, we’re excited to retain such a settled group and it reflects the strong progress made over the last season.”
Sandbrook also acknowledged the challenges of the 2022/23 season presented an opportunity for a wider group of Northern Districts players to shine.
“It was a competitive process to settle on the first group of players, and with seven players making their Plunket Shield debuts last season it emphasizes the depth within the Association and the healthy competition for places that is emerging,” Sandbrook commented.
The squad will be completed in early July.
Northern Districts Contracted Players 2022/23
Joe Carter, Katene Clarke, Kristian Clarke, Henry Cooper, Matt Fisher, Zak Gibson, Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Bharat Popli, Tim Pringle*, Jeet Raval, Tim Seifert, Fred Walker, Joe Walker, Anurag Verma, + one to be added
*first domestic contract
BLACKCAPS Contracted Players 2022/23
Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson
