Bombers_Forever
17 Mar 2005, 06:09
MacGill may quit Blues
By Ben Dories
March 17, 2005
NSW leg spinner Stuart MacGill has revealed he has given serious consideration to switching states and finishing his glittering career in Queensland.
A candid MacGill says he has discussed the possible move with his wife, actor Rachel Friend, and also broached the subject with several Queensland Bulls players.
The 34-year-old - whose initials are SCG - says the coastal Queensland lifestyle, which reminds him of his younger days growing up in Perth, would be one of the key factors in a career sea-change.
MacGill's interest in the move peaked earlier this season but he conceded it remained an option for the future as he looked to set himself new challenges.
"It's definitely been an option ... it was a very serious consideration for me in a very similar way to Michael Bevan moving to Tasmania," MacGill said, as he prepared to take on Queensland in the Pura Cup final at the Gabba tomorrow.
"You have to try and find ways to spice up your career to make sure you are still motivated and there are new challenges always popping up.
"I've spoken to a couple of Queenslanders about it and I think they were a little bit surprised.
"NSW has been very good to me - I would never have played for Australia unless I moved to NSW - but I think that as a sportsman you constantly evolve.
"All of the factors that attracted me to Queensland are still very real."
MacGill's love of the bouncy Gabba wicket - where he has taken 11 Test wickets at 26 - is another lure that could bring him north of the state divide.
Pressed on what else could prompt a move to Queensland, MacGill replied: "If you've got an A4 page to fill, there are plenty of reasons. Lifestyle, the wicket and the players up here. I've always enjoyed it here, being a Perth boy it is probably closer [in climate] to Perth."
MacGill is one of 25 Australian-contracted players and does not have a state-based contract, meaning he would be outside Queensland's payment pool and there would be no issue with the Bulls being able to afford him.
Queensland has not had a frontline spinner in its Pura Cup side since recent Test off spinner Nathan Hauritz was dropped after a string of poor performances.
Hauritz could himself be looking at a switch of states and has been linked with NSW.
NSW chief executive Dave Gilbert said there had been no formal approach to Hauritz.
MacGill has enjoyed outstanding success against Queensland - taking 59 wickets at 28 against the Bulls - and shapes as a formidable weapon in the Pura Cup final.
Queensland yesterday used three leg spinners in net practice - Ryan Le Loux, Daniel Doran and Greg Chiesa - to prepare their batsmen for facing MacGill.
Star Queensland allrounder James Hopes yesterday capped off a superb season by winning the ING Cup player of the year award at the State Cricket Awards at the Gabba.
Bevan was recognised for a record-breaking season by being named Pura Cup player of the year.
The Courier-Mail
MacGill at his best- get the media talking before the final. Take a hike Stuart- we don't need you or your attitude in our team. We will keep Haurrie thank you very much.
By Ben Dories
March 17, 2005
NSW leg spinner Stuart MacGill has revealed he has given serious consideration to switching states and finishing his glittering career in Queensland.
A candid MacGill says he has discussed the possible move with his wife, actor Rachel Friend, and also broached the subject with several Queensland Bulls players.
The 34-year-old - whose initials are SCG - says the coastal Queensland lifestyle, which reminds him of his younger days growing up in Perth, would be one of the key factors in a career sea-change.
MacGill's interest in the move peaked earlier this season but he conceded it remained an option for the future as he looked to set himself new challenges.
"It's definitely been an option ... it was a very serious consideration for me in a very similar way to Michael Bevan moving to Tasmania," MacGill said, as he prepared to take on Queensland in the Pura Cup final at the Gabba tomorrow.
"You have to try and find ways to spice up your career to make sure you are still motivated and there are new challenges always popping up.
"I've spoken to a couple of Queenslanders about it and I think they were a little bit surprised.
"NSW has been very good to me - I would never have played for Australia unless I moved to NSW - but I think that as a sportsman you constantly evolve.
"All of the factors that attracted me to Queensland are still very real."
MacGill's love of the bouncy Gabba wicket - where he has taken 11 Test wickets at 26 - is another lure that could bring him north of the state divide.
Pressed on what else could prompt a move to Queensland, MacGill replied: "If you've got an A4 page to fill, there are plenty of reasons. Lifestyle, the wicket and the players up here. I've always enjoyed it here, being a Perth boy it is probably closer [in climate] to Perth."
MacGill is one of 25 Australian-contracted players and does not have a state-based contract, meaning he would be outside Queensland's payment pool and there would be no issue with the Bulls being able to afford him.
Queensland has not had a frontline spinner in its Pura Cup side since recent Test off spinner Nathan Hauritz was dropped after a string of poor performances.
Hauritz could himself be looking at a switch of states and has been linked with NSW.
NSW chief executive Dave Gilbert said there had been no formal approach to Hauritz.
MacGill has enjoyed outstanding success against Queensland - taking 59 wickets at 28 against the Bulls - and shapes as a formidable weapon in the Pura Cup final.
Queensland yesterday used three leg spinners in net practice - Ryan Le Loux, Daniel Doran and Greg Chiesa - to prepare their batsmen for facing MacGill.
Star Queensland allrounder James Hopes yesterday capped off a superb season by winning the ING Cup player of the year award at the State Cricket Awards at the Gabba.
Bevan was recognised for a record-breaking season by being named Pura Cup player of the year.
The Courier-Mail
MacGill at his best- get the media talking before the final. Take a hike Stuart- we don't need you or your attitude in our team. We will keep Haurrie thank you very much.