Hard work pays off for Bryce Jackson as the Albany fast bowler earns full contract with WA men’s cricket squad

Talented Albany fast bowler Bryce Jackson says hard work and capitalising on his opportunities have been the driving force behind earning a full contract with WA men’s side ahead of the 2022-23 domestic cricket season. The fiery quick was a rookie with the WACA last season but it was announced last week the 22-year-old had been upgraded to a full contract with the 25-man WA squad for the upcoming season. He was named in the WA men’s contract list along with champion Shaun Marsh, who will play on for another season, and Australian stars Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis. A delighted Jackson said he was ready to take on the opportunity and responsibility a contract elevation brought. “Last year being on the rookie list, they just wanted me to get in the program and they realised that I’d be one to really relish the program and get a lot out of it,” he said. “I think from being a rookie to getting a full contract now, the expectation is a little bit higher and they also had that belief that I could fit into the side when I’m ready. “That’s probably the difference — they have a little bit more belief and think I’m a little bit more ready than I was before. “Last year I played two of the second XI State games but then a lot of the other games got canned early because of COVID and travel restrictions.” Jackson has earned a full contract for the first time along with young gun Teague Wyllie and Sam Fanning. Playing for Melville in the WA Premier Cricket competition, Jackson enjoyed a terrific 2021-22 season in which he took 33 wickets at an average of 16.33 and was awarded the Allan Edwards Trophy as the most promising up-and-coming cricketer who is a good citizen and observes the spirit of cricket. He was also part of Melville’s wining Premier T20 grand final side, snaring 2-16. “I predominantly played Premier Cricket in Perth all last season and I started off a little bit shaky,” Jackson said. “I think I had a little bit too much expectation on myself and then I came down here for the Southern Smash and started to really enjoy my cricket again. “It kind of took the expectation off me and then I came back for the back end of the season really hitting my strides and ended up having a pretty successful year with Melville and personally for myself.” Jackson is taking his cricket one step at a time but the exciting local player is buoyed by feedback from the WA coaching staff. “(Adam) Voges and the coaches were really happy in my season review with the outcome,” he said. “They were really happy with the outcome of the year and I’m looking forward to next season and what it brings. “It’s one step at a time, but I think every professional sportsman’s goal is to represent the country and any little steps to get to that point are important. “I think for this season the goal is to play one or two games or even landing a BBL contract as well.” Jackson began his career at Collingwood Park as a junior, and the right-arm speedster had some handy advice for any local youngsters looking to follow in his footsteps. “As a country cricketer, you have to really work hard to get to this point — a lot of people in Albany might know my story and how I got to that point but you’ve just got to work hard,” he said. “For every junior cricketer, you have to get out of your comfort zone a little bit and really put yourself in that environment because you can’t just back out and say ‘I could’ve, would’ve and should’ve’ and not have that opportunity. “Obviously life has its challenges but it’s a matter of how you combat these challenges. “That’s my advice for anyone that’s wanting to do the same thing — embrace it and enjoy it. “It’s going to be hard but no one ever said it was going to be easy. If it was easy, everyone would do it.” “I’m just looking forward to it and I can’t wait to get started.”