“Score runs,” McGuirk said.

“Yeah, score runs and take wickets,” McIlveen, who plays for Court House in the Gunnedah competition, chimed in.

It’s a simple goal but not so simple to achieve as the pair will be taking on some of the best under 16s cricketers from around NSW.

However, if how the pair are feeling is anything to go by some good results are around the corner for them both.

“I feel pretty good. I’ve been hitting the ball pretty well,” McIlveen said.

“Yeah, [I’ve] been hitting the ball sweetly,” McGuirk, who plays for Wests in the Tamworth competition, added.

Central North are in pool two at the Bradman Cup alongside Newcastle, Central Coast and North Coastal.

Riverina, Illawarra, Western and ACT-Southern make up pool one at the carnival.

Of the sides at the carnival, the duo agreed on one side was the one to beat.

“Newcastle,” McGuirk said.

McIlveen agreed but thought Central North could topple them.

“They’re good but they can be inconsistent at times,” McIlveen said.

“We played a carnival in Maitland and Northern Inland beat them and so did Hunter Valley. Now we’ve combined so hopefully we can do it again.”

The cricketers were both a part of Central North’s team for the Kookaburra Cup – the under 14s version of the Bradman Cup – two years ago. 

They finished third that year and both players thought the side could improve on that performance.

“I reckon we’re looking pretty good,” McGuirk said.

“We’ve got a cracking side,” McIlveen added.

“We came third at Kookas and everyone's gotten bigger, stronger and hitting the ball much harder so I think we’re a pretty good chance.”

Adam will bat at the top of the order for Central North while Kaleb will pad up in the middle order and also bowl his leg spin.

The carnival starts on Monday and each team will play three pool games each.

The grand final will then be played on Thursday.