Qld cricketer Watson denies NSW shift

The injury-jinxed Test and one-day star revealed his Queensland commitments made it tough for his relationship but was determined to help the struggling Bulls in a transitional period.

Watson, 26, will be among the former domestic giants' most experienced players in 2008-09 after they lost Jimmy Maher and Michael Kasprowicz this season and have Andy Bichel and Martin Love in the twilight of their careers.

He believed rumours of a NSW move in the Sun-Herald had been fuelled by his long-distance relationship.

"It's been hard not spending time with Lee," he told AAP. "She's been extremely understanding the whole time and that makes it easier to stay and play for my home state."

With apartments in Brisbane and Sydney, Watson told Bulls coach Terry Oliver this week he was staying put in Brisbane but the pair are discussing how to best combine his career and personal life.

"That's something that we're trying to get the balance right," Watson said.

"That's the hardest thing, staying around the group but also keeping my relationship healthy as well.

"I feel that my experience over six or seven seasons now that I can make a positive impact on the younger (Queensland) guys and help them come through."

Watson's injury-riddled season is set to see him slip down the rankings in Cricket Australia's 25-man contract list but he shouldn't lose his place, particularly after a strong Pura Cup finish.

The 2007 World Cup star's continued hamstring troubles allowed fellow Bulls all-rounders James Hopes and Ashley Noffke get the jump on him this season.

Picked up by Jaipur in the second Indian Premier League auction, Watson will play in the IPL in April and May before spending six weeks with Shane Warne's English county team Hampshire in the winter.

©AAP 2008

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