Countless hours of hard work got Steve Rixon to the position he’s in today, but he still considers himself incredibly lucky.
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The well-travelled Rixon was in Dubbo this week as part of the Baggy Blues tour and his vast knowledge was priceless during Thursday afternoon’s training clinic with the region’s juniors.
He then settled in to watch the Dubbo XI take on the Macquarie Valley XI in the Twenty20 at NO. 1 Oval, the surroundings far different to those Rixon has been in during recent years.
Rixon was the fielding coach for the Pakistan national side up until join, the latest achievement during a long career as a player and a coach.
“How lucky am I?” he said, surrounded by current and former players after Thursday night’s game.
“I played cricket for 20-odd years and as coach I’ve had around for a lot more than that and I’m incredibly lucky to be around something I love.”
He wasn’t the only one having a good time, with those past and present Blues players all making the most of their time out west.
The Baggy Blues greats and the current Blues players helped out local juniors in the massive training clinic while they were all a hit during the gala dinner at the Dubbo RSL on Wednesday night.
The Baggy Blues also took part in Thursday morning’s breakfast, a meaningful one by the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP).
Former Australian player Gavin Robertson spoke there and his story of battling mental health issues had a lasting impact on a number of people who attended
“I’m not sure if it gets much better,” Rixon said of the tour.
“I think the whole thing is a win-win. For the guys who come back it’s great for them to relax and spread the right message to people.
I’m not sure if it gets much better.
- Steve Rixon on the Baggy Blues tour
“They help the youngsters and also listened to stories from one of our finest this morning. That was outstanding when Gav Robertson spoke at the breakfast.”
Rixon, and Robertson, as well others on the tour like Rick McCosker, Phil Emery, and Murray Bennett, all spoke about the importance of cricket in the bush.
It’s something Roxon touched on again after seeing the match play out at No. 1.
He had nothing but praise for the work done by those NSW players who came before him and added spending time with future players and those who love the game is something all Blues players should be doing.
When you consider Rixon’s experience and standing in the game that is a strong statement.
Few know the game on a global level better than the former Australian wicketkeeper, who played 13 Tests for his country.
After his playing career he embarked on a coaching career that has seen him lead the New Zealand national side, New South Wales, and Hyderabad and the Chennai Super Kings in India, as well as being the fielding coach for both Australia and Pakistan.
“They (Baggy Blues greats) were the pioneers and set a platform for what these young guys are now achieving in state cricket and also through to the Australia team,” he said.
“The end result is they (current Blues) have got to pay their dues and realise it’s part of what it takes to be a leading player in Australia.
“That’s part of the deal and i don’t think anybody has a problem with it because deep down everyone remembers where they started.”
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
