Mackay’s Sam Brynes to play for Crowhurst Park Cricket Club

Sam Byrnes’ journey from truck driver to overseas cricketer is a testament to chasing your dreams no matter where they may take you.

Mackay truck driver Sam Byrnes is gearing up for his third trip to the UK after being selected to play cricket for England's Crowhurst Park Cricket Club. Picture: Facebook.

Mackay truck driver Sam Byrnes is gearing up for his third trip to the UK, but this time it’s not for work.

Byrnes will be heading to England to play cricket for the Crowhurst Park Cricket Club, as part of a connection between the club and Mackay’s Northern Suburbs Cricket Club.

Byrnes is excited to finally make the journey after being unable to travel last year because of Covid.

He will play among Division 2 ranks and while he may not be a cricket star just yet, he believes the experience and relationships he will form will be invaluable.

Sam Byrnes will begin his season in the UK cricket league in the coming weeks, with the truckie from Mackay excited and grateful for the opportunity to spend the summer in England doing what he loves. Picture: Brothers Cricket Club

“I thought, why not?” Byrnes said about the opportunity.

“It’s been on hold for about three-and-a-half years this trip … it’s gonna [sic] be a bit of fun.”

Being in England at the right time, Byrnes will also get involved at the Ashes tour in June and the world cup finals.

Norths first connected with Crowhurst in the early 2000s, and many players have since benefited from the invaluable experience gained in the English leagues.

Back at home, Norths recently played host to Crowhurst’s Josh Jones and his wife Laura, who spent the summer touring the Mackay region.

“We’ve had three to four of those guys come play for us (at Norths) and we’ve had half a dozen head over to the UK,” Byrnes said.

Byrnes said he was excited to be able to bring knowledge and skills from the UK back to his Mackay club and show young cricketers that travelling, training and playing overseas was part of Norths’ culture.