29 November 2022
Heroing the helpers behind our cricketers
Behind every great cricketer stands countless people who have helped them get to where they are today. As proud supporters of Australian cricket we celebrate all those who help.
The helpers behind our cricket heroes are the lifeblood of the game we love so much. It’s thanks to the 220 thousand volunteers and helpers behind the scenes, who make community cricket possible. Just like Elyse Perry’s high school coach, Pat Cummin’s long time mentor and the scorer who nurtured Steve Smith from a teen to Australian Captain.
Tom Iceton has been nominated by Steve Smith as his helper. His services to cricket in NSW were formally acknowledged when he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2010.
Q. Tom you met Steve Smith when he was just a teenager, what role did you have back at Sutherland District Cricket Club (SDCC) back then?
A. I played 237 matches for the club, including 142 as captain. I loved playing the game when I was younger and have always loved helping to run the club and provide opportunities for young cricketers to reach their potential. Steve Smith is a classic example. He first played for us as a 14-year-old, and I scored for him when he moved from being a talented young State player to playing for Australia.
“If my involvement in Steve's progression to being one of the best players ever to play for Australia has helped him in some small way, then that is very satisfying for me. I have only ever wanted to help provide a good environment for players to reach the full extent of their potential. Steve has done that.” - Tom Iceton OAM
Q. Steve Smith nominated you as a helper who made a huge difference in his career. How does that make you feel?
A. I’ve been a constant point of contact for Steve as he progressed through the representative ranks. I was even his accountant for a few years. One of my greatest memories is watching Steve score 134 not out, off 67 balls in a 50-overs match, chasing 200 in 21 overs.
When he was made Captain of Australia, it was one of my proudest moments in my many years of involvement with SDCC.
Tom continues to help the future of cricket as ground manager at SDCC, providing the voice of experience and dedication. “The most important thing is to enjoy your cricket,” he says.
Belinda Robertson has been nominated by Ellyse Perry as her helper. As her high school coach, she was instrumental in nurturing the talent she saw.
Q. Belinda your passion for cricket is so great, you played with the boys in the ‘70s and ‘80s for West Pymble Cricket Club. Is that why you wanted to nurture female players?
A: There were no girl teams when I started, but I ended up representing NSW for many years until retiring and represented Australia from 1987-1993 as opening batswoman. My mentorship of Ellyse is one of my greatest joys. I get so much enjoyment still from following her career and seeing how she is always working to evolve with the game and be the best she can be. I also love learning from her; coaching is a two-way process.
“It is so nice to give back and develop future talent. I have a passion for the art of batting and am more than willing to foster and nurture those with a desire to learn and develop.” - Belinda Roberston
Q. Do you remember the first time you met Ellyse?
A. The first time I saw Ellyse play was at the trials for NSWCIS Cricket team to represent at the State Schoolgirls Championships and then at the first training session. It was very evident that this young girl was something special and extraordinary. I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time. My job as coach was to bring a young team together very quickly before the State Championships each year.
Ron Halse has been nominated as Pat Cummins’ helper. Ron has been a player, coach, mentor and manager of Sydney Grade Cricket for over 30 years.
Q. Pat Cummins has put you forward as his helper. What is your proudest moment as a mentor for him?
A. Without question, it was selecting him to play First Grade at an early age. I was club selector and team manager for Penrith, Patrick was playing for its AW Green Shield and eventually became its captain. I do feel that it would have happened at some stage anyway, Patrick is largely responsible for where he is now.
“I’m so proud to have helped Patrick through a number of injuries that forced him to endure long absences. I told him to be patient and work hard, that he was still young enough to get back into the game.” - Ron Halse
Q. You have had a cricket career that most would envy. What have been the most outstanding moments?
A. Winning a First Grade Premiership and a Lower Grade Premiership with my son, and having the opportunity to pass on my experiences to younger players. But also, the journey. My love for cricket is grounded in its team environment, lifelong friends made and the strategy behind the game.
Q. What is Pat’s greatest asset as a player?
A. His loyalty. Patrick rewarded our club by remaining very loyal even through his long periods of absence and rehabilitation.
Loyalty is where everything great starts. A good, sustained period of coming through club development systems builds many things besides ability.
Q. What is the greatest advice a coach can give a player?
A. Keep telling them to work hard, ask questions and seek advice. Never lose the dream and be a good person on the way up.
