Brayden Stepien will start the 2020-21 cricket season in Tasmania with Greater Northern Raiders.
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The former White Hills left-hand batsman/keeper had his first day in quarantine in Devonport on Wednesday.
He'll spend 14 days in isolation before being allowed to move to Launceston where he'll join his Greater Northern Raiders team-mates for the start of the Tasmanian Premier Cricket season on October 3.
With doubts still surrounding the starting date for the Victorian Premier Cricket season, Carlton premiership player Stepein has made the move south to ensure he plays some cricket in October and November and gives himself the best chance to impress Big Bash League clubs.
"I'm playing it by ear a bit for now,'' Stepien said.
"It looks like I'll be here until at least December. If there's no bites from BBL clubs then I'll probably come back to Victoria then.
"it all hinges on how the COVID numbers are going in Melbourne.
"Carlton is happy for me to come down here to play and get ready for when the season does start."
The Raiders are the home club of Stepein's captain-coach at Carlton, Evan Gulbis.
Gulbis will also play for the Raiders until the Victorian Premier Cricket season begins.
"Evan has mentored me for the past three or four years and I trust him with whatever advice he gives me,'' Stepien said.
"It will be good to have him here to play alongside and support me."
Playing with the Raiders also gives Stepien a wonderful opportunity to improve his wicket-keeping skills.
Former Tasmanain wicket-keeper Tim Coyle coaches the Raiders.
"Tim Coyle was Tim Paine's wicket-keeping coach, so that can only benefit me,'' Stepien said.
"I'm really looking forward to getting into training with the club and then, hopefully, winning some games."
For now, Stepien is locked in a hotel room in Devonport to complete his quarantine perdiod.
He has a window that opens for some fresh air and, albeit after one day, he thinks he'll get through the two weeks without too many concerns.
"I've brought my PlayStation with me, so that will be getting a fair workout,'' Stepien said.
"The NBA Finals are on, so I'll give them a look.
"I'll do a couple of workouts a day and for half an hour each day I'm allowed down in a little caged area where I can have a run around.
"It's only my first day, but so far so good. You get a knock on the door three times a day and food gets dropped off.
"Food seems okay, but it could be a good weight loss session for me,'' Stepien added with a chuckle.
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