NSW allrounder Jack Edwards credits one-on-one chats with Australian legend Shane Watson for helping him begin the domestic summer in blistering form.
Edwards has been the most impressive player thus far on the Blues' journey to rebound from a disastrous 2022/23 summer.
The 23-year-old took the first six-wicket haul of his career against Queensland last week (6-36) to become the Sheffield Shield's equal-leading wicket-taker through one round.
After three matches, he has claimed two more scalps than the next-most prolific bowler in the Marsh Cup, most recently returning figures of 4-38 in the loss to Queensland on Monday.
With the bat, Edwards top-scored with 87 in the Shield draw with Queensland, having managed 92 against Tasmania in his opening Marsh Cup match of the summer.
"I came into the start of the season pretty confident after a strong pre-season and I think the bowling's been especially pleasing," Edwards said.
"When I'm playing confidently with bat or ball, it kind of helps the other skill out."
Legendary Australian allrounder and childhood hero Watson has helped position Edwards for a summer of success.
As part of plans to recover from a winless Shield season, Watson and former Australian teammate Michael Bevan were hired as consultants for Greg Shipperd's first full summer in charge.
An opening batter who also found success with his right-arm medium pace, Watson had plenty he could relate to Edwards.
"The one-on-one chats with Shane were fantastic for me on the mental side of the game," Edwards said.
"(There were) a couple of things that I'd brought into my game at the end of last year and then was able to refine with him, just around bringing the best version of myself out on the field and being competitive.
"I've really just tried to refine what that looks like and how I turn up when I'm at my best.
"The similarities the beginning of his career had with where I'm at, juggling the responsibilities of being an allrounder and managing your body and the weight of expectation on yourself, I took a lot away from it.
"Hopefully I can stay in touch with him and keep picking his brain."
Former Test quick Jackson Bird has also helped Edwards refine his bowling skills since joining NSW from Tasmania.
The pair previously worked together with the BBL's Sydney Sixers and both play premier league cricket for Manly.
"He's the ultimate professional," Edwards said.
"Even at the twilight of his career, he still does everything he can to get his body in the best place possible.
"Then there's just a few other things like wrist position and trying to maximise that."
