Tasmanian cricket today consummated its smash and grab raid on boom allrounder Shane Watson by signing the 19-year-old Queenslander to a three-year contract.

Watson's signing completes a sequence of events unique in Australian cricket - though almost certain to be repeated under a liberalised structure which aims to spread talent more evenly around the country.

The key to the capture of Watson - widely regarded as Australia's brightest teenage talent and who aims to be an international allrounder in the mould of South African Jacques Kallis - was a rule change before the start of last season which the Tasmania Cricket Association was the first to exploit.

While previously Australian Cricket Academy players had to return to their home state for a year, the change left them free agents.

Watson first came to Tasmanian attention when state coach Greg Shipperd saw him at a bowling clinic in Adelaide last spring.

Shipperd's interest deepened when Tasmania played the Academy in a pre-season game in Adelaide and was confirmed when Watson came to Hobart to play against the Tasmanian seconds.

TCA chief executive David Johnston then put a proposition to Watson: Come to Hobart and you'll go straight into the Tasmanian team - though how long you stay will depend on performance.

It was sealed with a handshake, with no commitment from either side beyond the end of the season.

Watson came and, by coincidence, made his debut against his home state which, has been less than gracious about the matter, although it has made no serious effort to lure its wayward son home.

"It was really a ring of fire," Watson said.

"But it was the best thing I've ever done, playing good cricket against my home state, the best state in Australia."

Tasmania got walloped but Watson, batting at No.7, was undefeated in both innings.

From there he went from strength to strength.

By the last game, against South Australia, the TCA knew it wanted him long-term. It flew his parents to Hobart and Watson, now batting at No.4, hit his maiden first class century.

He finished his abbreviated first class season with 309 runs from eight innings at 51.50 and, though used sparingly, took 11 wickets at 26.27.

With his considerable help, Tasmania enjoyed a late season renaissance, jumping from last to third on the Pura Cup table.

Watson said coming to Tasmania, where he could bat at four or five and be a first or second change bowler, was the best move for his career.

"And Tasmania has been so good to me," he said.

Johnston said he knew of no other state recruiting an Academy player from another state.

But he had no doubt it would happen more.

Johnston said it was part of a developing structure, which also involved transfer lists and greater freedom for players and states to negotiate contracts.

While it had none of the compulsions of the football draft, its effect was likely to be similar in spreading talent more evenly around the country.

"There probably will be more player movement," Johnston said.

"For Australian cricket, it's important to have the best 66 players playing first class cricket.

"That's an aim of the ACB, having the best players playing as much as possible."

Of course, greater freedom cuts both ways.

The TCA, while rejoicing over Watson, is battling to keep its talented but inconsistent batsman Michael Di Venuto, who is being wooed by South Australia.

Johnston said Di Venuto, who is playing for Derbyshire, has promised a decision tomorrow.

© 2001 AAP