After meeting his demons head on, Queensland recruit Luke Pomersbach looms as the Bulls’ X-factor in their attempt to turn their Sheffield Shield season around.

Pomersbach has battled depression for much of his career, with his penchant for drinking often landing him in trouble during a five-year stint with Western Australia.

The 29-year-old moved from Perth to Brisbane in 2012 in order to make a fresh start, and made an immediate impact by guiding the Heat to the Twenty20 Big Bash League title.

Pomersbach missed the start of this season’s Shield campaign, but made up for lost time with scores of 159 and 40 in Queensland’s recent draw with WA at the WACA Ground.

The hard-hitting left-hander was only called up for the match when Greg Moller inured his ankle.

Although Queensland picked up first-innings points in Perth, they remain last on the Shield table – a daunting 12 points adrift of second spot with five rounds remaining.

Queensland coach Stuart Law hopes Pomersbach can help turn the team’s fortunes around.

“He’s met his demons head on and understands what’s required,” Law said.

“He’s gone through and ticked every box.

“He’s a kid who’s grown up.

“We all went through certain things – some a bit more than others.

“But we all go through that and we understand there’s a little bit more to life than playing cricket.

“Hopefully he’s done a bit of exploring and realises there’s good times ahead.

“He’s fitting in beautifully to our way of thinking and the way we want him to play. He expressed that the other day. He batted beautifully.”

With Pomersbach locked in to take on Victoria in the December 8-11 Shield clash at the Gabba, Law said it would be tough for the likes of Moller and Joe Burns to force their way back into the side.

“They can’t just walk back in as soon as they’re fit again and say ‘I want to play’,” Law said.

“No, you’ve got to go back and start scoring hundreds.

“Once you start scoring hundreds, then come knock on our door.”