sport
Brisbane youth cricketer Ella Wilson named in Queensland Fire development squad, eyes national pathway
The 16-year-old allrounder from Nudgee has become the first player from the Wynnum-Manly district to earn a Fire Development contract in five years.
How we reported this
Brisbane youth sport has a new name to watch. Ella Wilson, a 16-year-old allrounder from Nudgee, has been selected in the Queensland Fire Development Squad for the 2026-27 season, Cricket Queensland confirmed Monday. Wilson is the first player from the Wynnum-Manly district to earn a development contract since 2021.
The selection matters because Queensland Cricket is deepening its investment in pathway programs ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, when cricket will feature on the medal program. Development squad members train at the National Cricket Centre in Albion and receive access to high-performance coaching, strength and conditioning support, and match-play opportunities against state under-19 and Second XI sides.
From club nets to state spotlight
Wilson started in the junior nets at Wynnum-Manly District Cricket Club, based at John Allen Park on Manly Road. She graduated through the club’s under-15 and under-17 representative sides before catching the eye of Cricket Queensland scouts at the 2025 State Age Championships in Ipswich. Her performances there, including a match-winning 74 not out in a one-day fixture against Gold Coast, earned her an invitation to the Queensland under-18 winter training camp at Allan Border Field in May.
Wynnum-Manly president Catherine Lantry said Wilson’s selection was a boost for the club’s female program, which has doubled its junior girls registrations to 48 players over the past two years. The club runs weekly skill sessions for girls aged 8 to 16 on Wednesday evenings at its Manly Road ground.
What comes next for Queensland’s emerging talent
The Fire Development Squad begins its pre-season training block in late July at the National Cricket Centre. Wilson will compete for selection in Queensland’s one-day and Twenty20 youth sides that tour Sydney in December for the national under-19 championships.
For now, Wilson will balance her cricket commitments with year 11 studies at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Ascot. Cricket Queensland pathway manager told the club newsletter that Wilson’s work ethic in the nets at Allan Border Field has impressed coaches. No further details on her selection timeline or specific performance targets were released.