Otago has picked a well tested bunch in the initial naming of contracted players for next season.
All six major associations named their first group of contracted players for the 2017-18 season yesterday.
Associations were able to name from nine to 14 players with additional contracts to other players to be announced by the end of the month.
All up, 15 players will be contracted by each association.
Players who were left out yesterday could come under the microscope as some associations leave open spots to pick up players on the outside looking in.
Otago named 13 players yesterday, including the two new signings from last week in experienced opening batsman Rob Nicol and young all-rounder Shawn Hicks.
Injury-plagued spinner Mark Craig missed out on a contract with New Zealand Cricket but has picked up an Otago contract.
Nathan Smith also gets his first contract having impressed last year for Otago and is undoubtedly a player of some promise.
Neil Broom was contracted by Otago as an overseas player last year but ended up giving up his overseas career and turning out for the Black Caps. He has been contracted by New Zealand Cricket this season.
There may still be a chance for the likes of Ryan Duffy, Gregor Croudis and Rhys Phillips to snare one of the two remaining contracts.
Michael Bracewell has moved to Wellington to reinvigorate his career.
Otago coach Rob Walter could not be contacted yesterday.
Last season was one to forget for Otago as the side finished bottom in all three competitions.
It was the first year for Walter in the Otago coaching role and he did not contract the players.
He has talked of turning the team round and it will be an interesting watch to see how Otago goes this season, the first one under his complete control.
Perhaps more importantly than what players have been contracted is the need for them to stay on the field.
Many were hit by injury last year.
