Philippe impresses the Sixers with runs and principles
BEFORE he was crowned the best player in the Big Bash, Sydney Sixers’ sensation Josh Philippe was just like every other bug-eyed youngster desperate for the chance to show everyone what he could do.
But when the tearaway nicknamed Flip got his first offer to join a franchise, he knocked it back.
Still in his teens and living with his parents in Western Australia, Philippe had his heart set on playing for the Perth Scorchers even though they didn’t have a spot for him.
So after giving it some thought and talking with his manager and parents, he politely told the Sixers’ general manager Jodie Hawkins he was declining their approach.
Instead of turning the Sixers off him, his rejection reinforced their belief he was the right guy.
“At the Sixers, we treat everyone like they are family, and we knew straight away that Josh was the sort of person that fitted our culture, so I enlisted a little help from a friend, in the name of Steve Smith,” Hawkins said.
“Steve just had a bit of a chat with Josh about what the Sixers were like and how beneficial it could be to come and play for the Sixers and that was how it started, then we got a call and he said he’s changed his mind and would love to come and play for us.”
Initially signed on a one-year deal, Philippe was an instant hit, scoring 304 runs, including a Sixers franchise record of 86 not out, so he was offered an extension.
He paused, wanting to give the Scorchers a chance to come up with a counter offer, before re-signing with the Sixers.
“We were very keen to resign him but we also wanted to respect what he wanted to do because he’s still a young manwho’s going through a steep learning curve, including being selected in Australian squads” Hawkins said.
“His welfare is very important to us and we’re just so glad he’s part of our team because he’s a very genuine person who has genuinely bought into our culture.
“We are already talking to him about another extension.”