Jade, who finished as the eighth top bowler with 15 wickets at the national carnival, was selected as a backup spin bowler for the under 19s rosters who are touring New Zealand in March. 

Proud dad Dave Allen said it was a cracking result for Jade, who was just three wickets shy of the top bowler at the carnival, while playing for the Cricket Australia XI. 

Unfortunately, he doesn’t think she’ll get game time as the two named spin bowlers are exisiting Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) players, but Jade is eagerly waiting in the wings should the team call on her. 

Even if she gets no game time, Jade will still join for a two-day camp later this month ahead of the tour. 

“She played a trial game for Sydney Thunder, which has been a bit of a catalyst for her,” Dave said. 

He said she was a little bit introverted and apprehensive about the task, but soon found herself taking wickets and even a catch against some of the Big Bash players. 

"She has gained a lot of confidence since realising she can compete at that level and now she’s playing in Canberra for Eastlake with Janet [King, from Wolumla] and she is just growing in leaps and bounds.

“So I wasn’t too surprised to see her do so well at the carnival.”

The Bega Valley all-rounder didn’t get too many chances with the bat, getting a couple of quiet stints at number 10 on the order, but her 15-wicket haul was among the best of any player in the competition. 

The national reserve selection is an added bonus for Jade, who is already set to compete in the under 15s nationals alongside Eden gun Jessie Mudaliar at the end of this month. 

However, they will be on opposing teams with Jade lining up for Sydney, while Jessie joins the Country NSW roster. 

Dave said increased pathways for regional country players – both boys and girls – was exciting for cricket and other codes.

“It’s great to see them getting these opportunities,” Dave said. 

“No matter where you come from, it’s good to see talented kids getting the chance to realise their abilities with Jade and Jessie getting these opportunities to progress.”

“You see the kids from the country like Millie and Morgan Boyle, Kel and Tarni Evans, Dale Finucane and Kezie Apps; just because you’re from down here, doesn’t mean you can’t make it.”

Jade said she was excited by the launch of the local women’s competition and is hoping to play a few rounds before Canberra play resumes.