There is really only one way to look at Cricket Tasmania's decision to field a Greater Northern team in its Southern-centric Premier League.
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And, it’s purely with positive eyes.
The new administration set-up led by chief executive Nick Cummins has made many realise what we have been missing out on for too long.
Proactive and visionary – rather than the stale, “jobs for the boys” and Hobart-obsessed stuff previously.
Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey’s review, which recommended the North and North-West composite team, has brought about the most significant talent pathway shake-up for a generation.
The report identified that Northern talent was being held back by the need to relocate to Hobart or travel regularly with all Tasmanian CTPL clubs being based down South.
However, the region’s best players will be able to remain at home while playing in the state’s top-level competition from next season.
When announced late last month, the stress levels of someone like Riverside all-rounder Oliver Wood would have decreased dramatically.
The 19-year-old all of a sudden didn’t have to worry about leaving home and finding accommodation, a part-time job or transferring his university studies to Hobart.
It may seem minor to some, but that is a lot of pressure on a young lad trying to break through.
As for Cricket North and Cricket North-West competitions – yes the best players will be removed, but over time players that don’t go on to play for Tasmania or have had enough of playing at that level are more likely to return to their club of origin.
This is in contrast to the past where a high percentage of those that have had to make the move South have generally stayed down there once their chances of playing for Tasmania have passed.
Players will also be eligible to take to the field with their Greater Northern club, subject to selection or scheduling.
That can only help Greater Northern Cup clubs with player numbers and the transferring of knowledge.
There is no doubt that the first few years are going to be tough for the Greater Norther team under auspices of Cricket North.
The committee led by former Tasmanian batsman and Launceston Cricket Club coach Richard Bennett is in charge of laying the foundations for a long and successful venture.
There is talk Launceston-based former Tigers coach Tim Coyle will have some important involvement in the side, which would be a golden egg if it comes to fruition.
Aside from getting volunteers to run a kiosk, score and so on, having some experienced players around the side’s young talent is going to be among the toughest challenge.
Cricket Tasmania, you would think, will allocate one or two of its contracted players to the Greater Northern team who will play when they aren’t required for state duties – just like what happens with the Southern clubs.
That’s all well and good but when they are not there or at training, who is going to lead the way?
Someone like retired Test spinner Xavier Doherty and a couple of others would be ideal.
Cricket Tasmania high performance manager Drew Ginn said the team will be funded out of the CTPL cash pool and that home matches would likely be based out of Launceston’s ageing NTCA Ground.
But why not UTAS Stadium, particularly once it’s resurfaced for the first time in two decades later this year?
Millions of dollars are spent on the mainly AFL and events stadium annually, yet its use, especially throughout summer, is virtually non-existent.
Having the team play on the region’s best surface is not only a no-brainer, but it would enhance the stadium’s resume should it wish to host A-list cricket in the future.
At the moment we are chucking a drop-in pitch in the middle for one Big Bash League game and a couple of national under-19 tournament matches.
This team is a too good an opportunity to let slide and watch it fail.
Not just for players but for coaches looking to climb the ranks, umpires that aspire to stand in the middle of the MCG and administrators that want to make a difference.
The only thing to do now is for everyone to get behind it, grasp the chance with both hands and hope the dinosaurs or narrow-minded don’t get in the way.
The only thing to do now is for everyone to get behind it, grasp the chance with both hands and hope the dinosaurs or narrow-minded don’t get in the way.
The pathway to the top for Northern Tasmanians hasn’t been this accessible or clear for some time.
We will now sit back and watch with interest if it all comes together over the next six months and beyond.