The former South Launceston fast bowler announced his first squad but said performance will trump reputation when it comes to selection.

Even with such Test pedigree as Jackson Bird, George Bailey, James Faulkner, Tim Paine and returning gloveman Matthew Wade, Griffith said runs and wickets will determine the pecking order, with a pre-season tour to Queensland the first chance for several new arrivals to state their case.

“Fairly blank,” Griffith said of his preferred XI.

“There’s obviously a couple of guys that pick themselves but for me personally I’m really excited about Mooloolaba to see what the guys can do.

“Once we’ve seen them play we’ll get a better idea of where they sit. Those guys that are taking wickets and making runs will get the opportunity.”

In his first season in charge since returning home from Western Australia, Griffith said he was delighted with his squad.

“After a lengthy process we are excited by the young talent we have been able to acquire from interstate, along with the continual development of local players.

“We have been able to increase our depth in the fast bowling ranks, which is vital for the long season ahead.

“I’m really excited to see where we can go with this group.”

​After a decade with Victoria, 29-year-old Wade decided to return to his home state for family reasons and has been training with the Tigers during pre-season.

Initially moving interstate ​to escape the shadow of fellow Hobart-born Test keeper-batsman Paine, Wade forged a strong career with the Bushrangers, where he became captain and helped win multiple domestic titles.

Wade and Bird are the two Cricket Australia-contracted players on the Tigers’ list. Despite Wade's return, Paine has also earned a new deal as have Bailey (who retains the captaincy) and Faulkner after losing national contracts. 

Former national spinner Xavier Doherty has retired while all-rounder Hamish Kingston, batsman Dom Michael and fast bowler Cameron Wheatley have lost contracts.

George Town quick Gabe Bell has been upgraded from a rookie contract, Charlie Wakim is a batsman from NSW, bowler Nick Buchanan arrives from Queensland while Tom Rogers is a young ACT all-rounder who was player of the year in the Futures League last year.

Rookie contracts have been handed to Caleb Jewell (North Hobart), Riley Meredith (Clarence), Corey Murfet (Ulverstone), Mac Wright (ACT), Aaron Summers (Western Australia) and Liam Devlin (Clarence).