Middle order batsman and club stalwart Matt Wilks will not be present when the season starts on Saturday, October 11 and it might be a while before he is back in first grade for the title holders.

A combination of family and work commitments looks likely to keep Wilks out of action for the first few district fixtures and he is expected to enter the club through the lower grades later in the season.

Norths captain Josh Callinan said the former first grade captain and long-time clubman would be missed by the first grade outfit, but will be expected to adjust.

“It was a bit lonely walking into the sheds the other week and not seeing him next to me,” Callinan said. “It’s a bit of an end of an era for the club, I think, but it will give an opportunity to younger blokes to come through.”

Norths boast a wealth of young talent waiting to plug any first grade leaks as well as a host that are expected to feature in Norths’ title defence. Among them is 15-year-old Jesse Caulfield who is expected to do plenty of damage with the bat and left arm orthodox spinner Eamon Owens.

Norths also have one more draw card up their sleeve with new addition and mid-pacer Dave Sullivan.

Sullivan comes to the competition with an air of unpredictability. After playing for Tamworth club Wests, Sullivan moved to Largs before linking up with Norths and after failing to complete a trial match due to injury the district competition is yet to see what he will bring to their bowling attack.

But one player that presents no gambles for Norths will be opening bowler and batsman Brad Bannister. Last year’s Maitland district player of the year will open the batting alongside the returning Josh Geary after his stint with Dumfries Cricket Club in Scotland.

Callinan said that with the calibre of players retained from last year’s side leading the newcomers, back-to-back titles was not an unrealistic goal.

“I don’t see why if we perform again with this bunch of blokes, we couldn’t win it again.

“I would say City and Tenambit Morpeth will be the two main contenders.

“And the top-four will probably be much the same.”