The Brisbane Heat narrowly missed out on the finals in 2025, and this season, they hope to go one step further to reach the top four.
The Heat had an up-and-down BBL|15 campaign, finishing fifth on the ladder with five wins and five losses, narrowly missing out on a finals berth.
Brisbane showed some impressive form throughout the tournament, including a record-breaking run chase against the Perth Scorchers, where they chased down 258 runs with eight wickets remaining.
However, consistency was a major issue for the men from up north, particularly away from home, where they won just one of their five road games.
Brisbane have brought in Tom Curran from the Melbourne Stars, but the Englishman will be unavailable for the first three matches due to family commitments.
The bowling all-rounder has over 50 games of BBL experience that the Heat will rely on to take the next step.
He has taken 72 wickets with an average of 20.61, whilst making 501 runs at an average of 20.04.
Brisbane Heat coach James Hopes was delighted to secure Curran's signature for his first season with the Heat.
“We're very pleased to sign a player with Tom's skill level and experience,'' Hopes said.
“He's fiercely competitive, and from my experience coaching him at Delhi in the IPL, he lifts the other players around him through his energy, drive and focus.”
“I've been watching him in action last week for the Edinburgh team in the new Euro League, where he has taken 10 wickets in four games so far, and I am sure he will enjoy bowling for us at the Gabba.”
“Batting-wise, he is very similar to Michael Neser in the way he can influence a game by managing the innings, either counter-attacking himself or getting the best out of his partner.”
“Tom's BBL experience with the Sixers and Stars is a bonus, as he knows the Australian venues and conditions very well, which will undoubtedly benefit our playing group.”
“Tim is a rising star of international cricket, and the BBL will be a great opportunity for him to demonstrate his skills and ability for the Heat,'' said Hopes.
“He scores quickly, has excellent power, and is very strong in the field. We've signed him for the entire competition and think he will complement the playing group nicely.”
Robinson joins Brisbane coming into BBL|16 and said he was eager to replicate his childhood dreams growing up.
“How good! I reckon everyone wants to play in the Big Bash,'' he said.
“We pretended our backyard was the Gabba as kids and used to hit it into the neighbours, so fair to say I'm pretty excited to play there, and at all the other awesome grounds.
“Thanks to the team at the Heat for the opportunity. Can't wait to get there,” Robinson said.
Bevon Jacobs is similar to Robinson and is an exciting 24-year-old New Zealand batter known for his powerful hitting.
He has played in Queensland's T20 Max, where he hit a remarkable century from just 40 balls for South Brisbane in 2024.
BRISBANE HEAT KEY PLAYERS IN BBL|16
Usman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja is set to be available for the entire BBL tournament for the first time since BBL05, when he turned out for the Sydney Thunder.
It will also be the first time he has been available for a full season with the Brisbane Heat.
He has played 73 matches in the BBL, scoring 2240 runs at an average of 33.43.
Spencer Johnson
The paceman did not play in BBL15 due to a back injury and stress fracture sustained earlier in the year.
He will be a welcome addition to a Heat bowling attack that lacked consistency and bite last season.
The left-arm bowler has taken 41 wickets in 28 matches with an average of 19.22.
Nathan McSweeney
The South Australian, who has been one of Australia's most consistent domestic players across all formats over the last couple of seasons, will look to help the Heat push towards finals this season.
McSweeney had a terrific BBL|15 campaign, scoring 193 runs at an average of 38.6.
His consistency is a major part of his game, and he has averaged 34.3 across his last four seasons.
BRISBANE HEAT BBL|16 EXPECTATIONS
With the additions of Curran and Robinson, and the return of Johnson, as well as Usman Khawaja being available for the full tournament, expect the Heat to push back up the ladder and finish towards the top of the BBL|16 table.
Last season, the Heat's consistency was an issue, but adding star power will help fix that, especially with the ball in hand.
They also have plenty of experienced campaigners with Khawaja, Jimmy Peirson, Curran, Matthew Kuhnemann, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw (when available due to Test commitments).
BRISBANE HEAT BBL|16 FIXTURE
15 Dec: Brisbane Heat v Sydney Sixers - Gabba
17 Dec: Hobart Hurricanes v Brisbane Heat - Ninja Stadium
21 Dec: Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat - Junction Oval
26 Dec: Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat - SCG
28 Dec: Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers - Gabba
1 Jan: Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes - Gabba
4 Jan: Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat - Optus Stadium
8 Jan: Brisbane Heat v Perth Scorchers - Gabba
10 Jan: Melbourne Renegades v Brisbane Heat - Junction Oval
17 Jan: Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder - Gabba
BRISBANE HEAT BBL|16 SQUAD
Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Tom Curran, Lachlan Hearne, Bevon Jacobs (replacement player), Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Tim Robinson, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth.
