A talented top order batter and developing wicketkeeper, Budge earned his first state contract after a breakout season in 2024-25.
Technically correct and well organised at the crease, Budge put his name up in lights after a string of match-winning performances at last year's Cricket Australia Under 19 National Championships.
The 17-year-old compiled 346 runs at 49.42 in seven innings to earn Team of the Tournament honours, including a pair of hundreds against Tasmania (153) and South Australia (111) to lead WA to their first U19 title since the 2016-17 season.
The Wesley College product has quickly established himself as a natural leader in recent seasons, with his calm demeanour and game nous seeing him regularly voted captain for state and school.
A breakout season also saw him become a regular for Club side Melville's First Grade side, while his prolific run-scoring ability saw him make his WA Second XI debut against Tasmania in January.
