Cricket stars Steve O’Keefe and Josh Philippe talk up Big Bash League in Coffs Harbour ahead of Tuesday’s match
The Big Bash returns to Coffs Harbour tomorrow and it's expected to rake in the big bucks. It comes as stars of the game have detailed how the BBL can help young players thrive.
Coffs Harbour
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Coffs Harbour is set to host some of the brightest stars in cricket when the Big Bash League returns on Tuesday for a third year running.
The Sydney Sixers will play the Adelaide Strikers at “iconic” Ce.x Stadium, with all eyes on Steve Smith, tipped to open the batting for the Sixers.
Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said the $120,000 grant allowing the Sydney Sixers to host the home game in Coffs would bring in more than $1.2 million in tourism dollars.
The Big Bash League (BBL) is considered one of the fastest growing sports leagues in the world, with huge crowds and TV audiences.
It is also providing an avenue for young regional cricketers to get their name out there.
Coffs Harbour Sixers stars Steve O’Keefe, 38, and Josh Philippe, 25, have seen the game grow and said the BBL was giving more opportunities to regional cricketers than ever before.
Philippe, who grew up in the city, said the BBL fixtures in Coffs Harbour were important for the game and for young aspiring fans.
Now considered one of the brightest batting prospects, the WA recruit hopes to act as a role model to young ones.
“It’s important for kids to see and watch their idols,” Philippe said.
Philippe said the game’s pathways and recruitment have changed in recent years and juniors have “more opportunity than ever”.
“The Big Bash opens a lot of doors,” he said.
Steve O’Keefe has seen the game change drastically during his professional cricket career spanning almost 20 years.
He said the BBL, which only formed eight years ago, was great for the game and regional cricketers tended to make up about half of a state squad.
“When NSW cricket is strong, it’s from country cricketers – there’s a whole bunch of talent,’ O’Keefe said.
He said cricketers in regional towns could achieve what they never thought was possible – pointing out former Sixers player Josh Hazlewood, who grew up in Bendemeer (near Tamworth).
O’Keefe said he believed the BBL provided a fresh pathway for boys and girls wanting to make it in the cricket world.
“The net is cast wider and the infrastructure is in place. Cricket is as popular as ever,” he said.
Cr Amos said cricket symbolised so much of what made Australian culture rich.
“Cricket gives many life lessons and it’s great to have it at our iconic Ce.x,” he said.
Cr Amos highlighted the importance of providing kids an insight into the professional game.
“They can see it so they think they can be it. It’s great to have this in regional areas,” he said.
The Sydney Sixers will take on the Adelaide Strikers at the Ce.x Stadium on Tuesday, January 17 at 7:15pm.
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