The Duffys could be the next set of brothers to make a big impact for Otago cricket.
Ryan Duffy (22) will make his first-class debut today in Otago's match against Canterbury in Rangiora.
His younger brother, Jacob (19), made his first-class debut in March last year. He was just 17 at the time.
The province has been well served by brothers throughout the years.
The McCullums, Brendon and Nathan, play most of their cricket at international level now but got their start in the back yard of the family home in St Kilda.
The Rutherfords have made a rather large contribution as well.
Brothers Ian (1974-1984) and Ken (1982-1995) forged impressive provincial careers.
Ken played 56 tests and 121 ODIs.
His son, Hamish Rutherford, is in Sri Lanka with the Black Caps and earned his national call-up following some fabulous performances for Otago.
Jack (1956-72) and Gren Alabaster (1955-76) and Wayne (1967-1991) and Bruce Blair (1977-1990) have also made very significant contributions for the province.
Wayne played for Otago for an incredible 24 seasons and Jack played 21 tests.
The Duffys are only at the beginning of their careers and have a lot of cricket in front of them if they are going to have anywhere near a similar impact.
Ryan's opportunity at the top of the order has come about only because Otago is missing openers Hamish Rutherford and Neil Broom.
They are both in Sri Lanka with the Black Caps.
Jacob's position is more assured.
The pace bowler was the joint leading wicket-taker in the HRV Cup last summer but has struggled to transfer that form into one-day and four-day cricket.
Volts coach Vaughn Johnson played down concerns about his young seamer's form, but it has been noticeable how closely he has been working with Jacob in the nets.
''He is not having a great trot at the moment but he'll be fine,'' Johnson said.
''He's got a bit of second-year syndrome, where opposition teams get to learn a bit more about him. He's just got to keep trucking, really.''
Johnson has a reputation as one of the better bowling coaches in the country and feels Jacob's problems were more about confidence than anything technical.
''It is more the mental side of things. He is going through some hard times at the moment but he has to keep trusting himself. Technically, we're just trying to get him a bit more consistent. He is losing his wrist position a wee bit at the moment.''
The pitch at Mainpower Oval is understood to be on the dry side and could suit the spinners.
Otago has Mark Craig and Nick Beard in its ranks and could lean on Aaron Redmond for a few overs.
Canterbury has included offspinner Tim Johnston in its 13.
Legspinner Todd Astle will shoulder his share of the load and part-timer George Worker can roll his arm over, as well.
Canterbury is in second place in the tournament, having beaten Auckland by six wickets at Eden Park Outer Oval last week.
Otago had a draw with Wellington in its only game and is in fifth place with six points.
