By Tara Murray
Greenvale Kangaroos are on the hunt for a new Victorian Premier Cricket coach, with Trent Johnston being appointed the Hong Kong national coach.
Johnston, who was in his first pre-season coaching the Kangaroos, was announced as the Hong Kong coach earlier this week and will take up the role in late August.
Kangaroos’ director of cricket, Peter Di Venuto said while they were disappointed to lose Johnston, they were thrilled for him to get the opportunity.
“He’s got an international job and you’re not going to stand in the way of that,” Di Venuto said.
“It goes to show the quality of individuals that we have at the club. We’re super excited for Trent.”
Johnston said in Cricket Hong Kong media release, that he was excited to take the next step in his career.
The former Ireland captain previously coached the New South Wales state team, including winning two one-day competitions.
“Cricket Hong Kong has great potential and a highly talented elite player group. I look forward to working closely with the players and management team to prepare for the T20 World Cup qualifiers in the short-term and to helping develop future generations of Hong Kong cricketers to continue the team’s rise in the global standings.”
Di Venuto said they were talking to a number of prospective head coaches to take on the role at the Kangaroos.
He said the most pleasing thing was that high calibre coaches were now interested in coming to the club.
“It has changed in the short period of time. All the work that has been done and the wonderful facilities… It makes it an attractive job.”
The Kangaroos are hoping to appoint a coach in the near future. Johnston has offered to continue helping the club until he takes on the role with Hong Kong.
Di Venuto said with the experience on their coaching panel, they weren’t expecting too much disruption.
Premiership winning Cricket Tasmania’s Premier League coach Scott McNaughton, current Victorian selector Mark Ridgway and former Australian & Victorian spinner Ray Bright are all part of the Kangaroos coaching ranks.
“We’ve got a great support structure across the board who can handle things if we don’t appoint someone soon.
“Trent was at the top of the tree, but everyone has responsibilities for their aspects.”
Di Venuto said on field things were thriving at the club.
New signing Michael Stretton has been named captain of the side, having moved down from Sydney where he played Premier Cricket.
“We have about 18 new players at the club across all the grades,” he said.
“The club is looking at more than 25 teams across all the grades from under-10s through to men’s and women’s.”
