Victoria is “working through” discussions with star seamer Fergus O’Neill after a report he is entertaining a bombshell move to NSW.
CODE Sports revealed NSW and the Sydney Sixers were trying to bring the star seamer and Australian Test smokey out of Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades next season.
A magnetic personality and impact with the red ball has made O’Neill a valued commodity to Victoria.
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He won the Sheffield Shield player of the year last season and holds an impressive first class average of just 20.51.
Victorian coach Chris Rogers spoke on O’Neill’s future after his side’s One Day Cup win against Queensland on Tuesday.
Rogers says he loves coaching O’Neill and hopes the contract discussions “will all get put to bed soon”.
“I love Ferg, coaching Ferg and he loves playing for Victoria,” Rogers said.
“Like all players, he wants to feel valued and I think all parties are working through this to make sure he’s playing where he belongs and everyone’s happy.
“These are things that happen in a player’s career, but I know he knows how much we support him and believe in him and hopefully that will all get put to bed soon.
“(I am involved) to an extent, but those decisions are made a little bit above me as well.”
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If O’Neill was to move to the Blues and Sixers, he would play under a new coach after they both axed veteran mentor Greg Shipperd last week.
Rogers, who was coached by Shipperd during his time as a player, says he feels for any coach who loses their job.
“I have been in touch with him, I am disappointed for him,” Rogers said.
“I get in touch with every coach that loses their job. It’s a tough time and it means, from my experience, so much to you the journey you’re on.
“Shippy is no less passionate now than he was when he coached me, or even before me, so I know this will be a disappointment for him.
“But once again, those are decisions that are other people’s prerogative, so that’s not for me to judge.”
Victoria will unveil debutant Dylan Brasher when it takes on Queensland again when the Sheffield Shield returns on Thursday.
Rogers was full of praise for Brasher, saying the left-hander has “a bright future”.
“I think you can expect a fighter, a guy who’s taken the steps and earned his right to be in the squad,” he said.
“I watch him, from a personal point of view, there’s been a lot intimate and detailed work that’s gone into his game and I’ve never once heard him complain or be anything other than open-minded.
“I think he’s a kid with a bright future. If he keeps improving at the rate he is, then I think he will have a great career.”
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