Slats and Katich among Blues offered contracts

SYDNEY - Cricket NSW today announced the 17 players who will be offered contracts for the 2002-03 season, including former Test players Michael Slater and Simon Katich.

Both failed to have their Australian Cricket Board contracts renewed earlier this year.

NSW has also been officially notified that South Australia has approached Mark Higgs and Victoria has sought out Graeme Rummans with regard to their playing futures.

Young fast bowler Aaron Bird, who famously struck Slater in the head playing for NSW first grade club side North Sydney against the University of NSW in February, is one of five players who have been offered rookie contracts for next season.

Changes have also been made to the NSW selection committee after John Benaud and Jim Robson stood down.

Brian Taber, a NSW Selector from 1975-1990, is the new chairman of selectors and former NSW player Marshall Rosen has also been added. Dion Bourne and Steve Smith continue as selectors.

The NSW players offered contracts are: Shawn Bradstreet, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Mark Higgs, Phil Jaques, Simon Katich, Grant Lambert, Shane Lee, Greg Mail, Paul Maraziotis, Don Nash, Matthew Phelps, Nathan Pilon, Corey Richards, Graeme Rummans, Michael Slater, Dominic Thornely

The players offered rookie contracts are: Aaron Bird (North Sydney), Doug Bollinger (Fairfield-Liverpool), Jason Krejza (Fairfield-Liverpool), Stephen Phillips (Western Suburbs), Aaron O'Brien (Northern District)