GROWING THE GAME

Q Previously you worked at NT Cricket in Darwin; what was that like and what did your role involve? The Territory is a very remote and unique place – what did you learn from taking cricket into communities that are so footy-dominated?

A My role was to lead the development of cricket in which we grew cricket a long way, especially in remote areas where football has a strong hold. For me, it was about making cricket accessible no matter where you live. We have a number of programs across remote areas of North and Far North Queensland and we will look to really ramp that up with additional areas while building the sustainability within those communities we already have a footprint.

Q In Darwin they play their local cricket competition through the winter months due to the summer wet season, can the Far North learn from how they do things in Darwin?

A I think we have opportunities throughout the winter to attract events and tournaments when the weather is perfect. In Darwin, the AFL is played over the wet season rather than the traditional winter slot, so the same opportunity of playing the regular season through winter would be a challenge due to a number of cricketers playing winter codes.

Q You worked in cricket back home in NZ before moving to Australia, how do you compare the infrastructure and professionalism between the two countries within cricket?

A It’s chalk and cheese. The system here is amazing, we have such strong clubs, facilities and opportunities. I really hope in the future New Zealand will have the same co-ordinated approach across the country to really leverage the love Kiwis have for the game of cricket.