Transfixed by the flight, drift and spin, he had to see the kid up close.

Impressed after just six balls, Matthews declared Warilla junior and Australian under 19s leg spinner Adam Zampa had what it takes to make it to the top.

"The ball leaves his hand great - I'm going to have a little bit of a talk to him about his structure," Matthews said.

"He looks fantastic, it's amazing, he reminds me a little bit of (Steven) Smith. He's got that good energy level.

"Adam carries himself beyond his years, maybe he just needs to jink his action and put in the hard yards.

"There's no doubt in my mind he's got the talent, he's only 500 per cent better than I was at the same age."

Zampa's figures - four overs, zero maidens, 0-31 - didn't stand out as South Coast scored a six-wicket victory over the ACA Masters in a Twenty20 showdown yesterday, but Matthews believes Zampa could one day be spinning out sides in the baggy green.

"I have no doubt. The foundation is there - at NSW (former Shield wrist spinner) David Freedman looks after the second XI and they have Murray Bennett who looks after slow bowling, so he's got good people around him," Matthews said.

Jason Gillespie, who spent most of his 71 Tests and 97 ODIs playing alongside Shane Warne, also likes what he saw from the 17-year-old.

"He looks a talent; Jimmy Maher was quite impressed. He tosses it up and tries to turn," Gillespie said.

"You don't want to put unrealistic expectations on him. As long as he keeps tossing it up and trying to get it to spin he'll be all right."

Zampa - who was part of the squad that won the ICC Under 19 World Cup earlier this year - was looking forward to getting some tips from the ex-internationals.

"It feels good getting a wrap like that. He'll give me some tips and I'll take them on board," Zampa said.

While Zampa turned heads with the ball, Lake Illawarra youngster Kerrod White received a $1000 ACA Scholarship after blasting 24 not out in host's successful chase.