Cricket ACT has announced the ACT Comets squad set to compete in the 2025 NT Top End Series.
With a strong mix of youth and experience, the squad reflects the Comets’ ongoing commitment to developing elite-level talent while remaining fiercely competitive in one of Australia’s premier winter cricket competitions. Led by captain Scott Murn, the 14-player squad includes a dynamic group of players ready to represent the ACT against some of the nation’s best emerging talents.
2025 ACT Comets NT Top End Squad:
- Nick Allen
- Nic Broes
- Kai Brunker
- Dave Dubey
- Lewis Evans
- Tom Hogan
- Akshay Joseph
- Zak Keogh
- Zac Maron (wk)
- Mikey McNamara (wk)
- Scott Murn (c)
- Esam Rahman
- Sam Skelly
- Jake Smith
Head coach Jono Dean expressed optimism about the group and what lies ahead in the tournament.
“I think we want to build on our performances from last year. Winning two out of six games was a solid achievement given where we are at in terms of our development as a program.” Dean told Cricket ACT.
“We’ve lost a few players, which is extremely exciting for them; they’ve moved on to bigger and better things. Fos us, the aim is to stay competitive and make sure we’re in positions to win games. That’s the goal right now.” He added.
Preparation for the Top End series has been thorough, with a strong focus on skill development, conditioning, and game awareness.
“We’ve been going for around seven or eight weeks now. We started with skill development and are now in our game-prep phase. Lots of speed, gym, and conditioning work. The boys have been putting in the hard yards.” Dean claimed.
Dean acknowledged the dual goals of team success and individual player development, highlighting the pathway the Comets program offers.
“Given where we are at, we are amateur athletes competing as professional athletes. Success for us means performing as a team and also enabling individuals to progress. Take Hanno Jacobs for example, he played for us last year in this tournament, played a lot of Second XI cricket for the ACT, made his shield debut for NSW, and is now contracted to South Australia. That is what our program is about, exporting talent.” Dean stated.
This year’s squad brings with it energy, athleticism and an attacking mindset that the Comets believe will set them apart.
“It is a really dynamic squad.” Dean said.
“We’ve focused a lot on the athleticism and fielding in recent years. We’re not just aiming to survive; we’re playing to win. That is the attitude we want. Our players cricket knowledge is coming better because they are playing more quality games more often. To remain competitive is our biggest goal. There are some pretty serious players and some serious teams within this tournament.” He added.
Dean also praised the rapid rise of skipper Scott Murn, who has emerged as a key leader for the squad.
“You look at our captain, Scott Murn, his rise to where he is now. He’s gone from Premier Cricket, to Second XI games, the Top End Series, and he is captaining our side. His knowledge breadth is amazing.”
The NT Top End Series presents another important chapter in the ACT Comets journey. With the hard work and preparation well and truly underway, be sure to keep up to date with our ACT Comets venue to the NT Top End Series for 2025.