BRINGING TOP-SHELF MATCHES BACK
Q Cairns missed out on a WBBL game this summer after hosting a Brisbane Heat game last season. Should cricket fans up here be optimistic about elite matches being played here in coming years?
A Absolutely, there is no doubt that last year’s game was a resounding success and in my opinion had a lot to do with the Brisbane Heat winning the WBBL. The cricket calendar is jam-packed over the next couple of summers so hopefully we might see some games come our way. We have fantastic facilities and proven success at hosting so I am optimistic. It’s always great to have content to leverage and we have seen how far both girls’ and women’s cricket has come over the last couple of years, which in part has been inspired by the Brisbane Heat girls coming to do promotions and playing that game last season.
Q Within Queensland Cricket, how is the Far North viewed in regards to talent development and its level of cricket?
A Cricket talent in the country has always been rich and there are many examples of players who have gone the distance. Under the new coach and talent specialist, Tony Hampson, I am excited for the next generation of players growing and having the opportunity for success. The CFN Marlins program is outstanding and has given players a real opportunity to grow. We have some really talented young boys and girls coming through the system now and they have some really great local support from our junior directors, coach Janet Argoon and Dan West who are very passionate and dedicated to supporting juniors through the pathway.
Q Local cricket in Cairns has had an interesting relationship with AFL Cairns over the journey in regards to ground use with Griffiths and Cazalys. Will it be one of your aims to build a strong relationship between footy and cricket?
A To me, it’s really simple, cricket and AFL have worked hand-inhand for as long as the sports have existed in Australia. We share facilities and visions in getting people active and playing sport. We need to work together as much as we can, especially to improve shared facilities to ensure we have lights and female-friendly amenities. I’m excited to work with AFL to get the best outcomes for both sports.