Bay of Plenty cricketers Brett Hampton and Joe Carter have been named in Northern Districts’ squad for the opening match of the 2026/27 Ford Trophy campaign.

Northern Districts will begin their one-day season against defending champions Central Districts at Saxton Oval in Nelson on Wednesday, with new head coach BJ Watling naming three potential debutants in his first squad of the summer.

James Naylor, Flynn Morey and Michael Sclanders are all in line to make their Northern Districts debuts.

Watling said in a statement that the start of a new season presented opportunities for emerging players.

“It’s exciting heading into the new season, with some great opportunities opening up for our younger players. I’m looking forward to watching them as they look to progress their careers.”

Experienced Bay duo Hampton and Carter provide plenty of leadership in the 12-man squad. Hampton remains one of Northern Districts’ most seasoned allrounders, while Carter returns after recent representative commitments.

Naylor impressed in his limited opportunities during last season’s Plunket Shield campaign, taking eight wickets from three matches, including a four-wicket haul against Wellington.

Morey arrives with international age-group experience after representing New Zealand at the ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup in Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Sclanders has earned his opportunity following a prolific club season in Hamilton, scoring more than 1500 runs and setting a New Zealand Premier Grade record with 379 runs in last season’s Howden Cup final.

Northern Districts have made six changes from the side that reached last season’s Ford Trophy elimination final, with Cooper Rowell, Aryan Mann and Carter also coming into the squad.

The match starts at 10.30am today.

Northern Districts squad: Brett Hampton (Bay of Plenty), Joe Carter (Bay of Plenty), Robbie O’Donnell (captain), Katene Clarke, Xavier Bell, Snehith Reddy, Cooper Rowell, Aryan Mann (wicketkeeper), Josh Brown, James Naylor, Michael Sclanders and Flynn Morey.