Hawkesbury Cricket Club
Troy Worner is the Host of The Parra Cave Podcast. Over 75 episodes of interview the past and current rugby league players and fans from all NRL Clubs. He’s a passionate Parramatta Eels fan and enjoys his cricket.
Let’s find out more about Troy’s passion and insight into cricket and his podcast.
What year you were born?
1978
What State do you live in?
NSW
When did you first start developing a love for the game and what is it about cricket that you enjoy most?
Probably around the same time if not a few years after my love of rugby league started in 1986. I probably love the challenge of winning a Test match in 5 days and the strategies used. I also enjoy the excitement of the colours in one day cricket and the atmosphere in a T20 game.
If you’ve played the game please tell us briefly about your journey in the game, where you’ve played, what clubs and how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
To be honest I haven’t played much competitive cricket. I think I had one maybe 2 years for the Penrith Police Boys Club in under 12s and 13s maybe. Just an average cricketer, I’d say a pretty handy bowler who took a few wickets here and there.
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Definitely Dean Jones. I loved the way he attacked the bowlers especially in the 50 over format. Who could ever forget that innings v England at the Gabba where he was just hitting sixes and fours for fun even one handed. And he stood up for himself and who could forget him taking on Curtly Ambrose with the white armbands.
I’d just like to add that I loved Jonty Rhodes from South Africa when they came back into the game in 1992 just for his absolute brilliance in the field. Diving catches and run out throws at the stumps and also stopping certain 4’s in the field.
Dean Jones
Who has been your favourite Australian captain and if you could add a few words to why?
I probably really enjoyed the Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting eras. I think because they always played test matches going for the win not for draws. And real leaders of men as well and it showed as their teams were so successful.
Ricky Ponting
Who’s been the batsman you’ve enjoyed watching the most?
As I said earlier Dean Jones but I’d say later on it was Adam Gilchrist. He was pretty exciting to watch especially that innings against England at the WACA and just recently love watching Chris Lynn and Darcy Short bat in the Big Bash.
Who in your opinion has been the best fast bowler?
Ah there has been a few over the years. Merv Hughes, Craig McDermott and Brett Lee come to mind but I don’t think you can go past Glenn McGrath. So consistent in his line and length and a wicket taker. Great cricketer and doing wonderful things now with the McGrath foundation.
Who in your opinion has been the best spinner?
There is only one isn’t there. The King Shane Warne. I used to love it with Gilly behind the stumps to Warne and he would yell out bowled Warner. It was if he was playing around but in all seriousness what a bowler 708 test wickets, to take a hat trick at the MCG, his 700th wicket at the MCG, the ball of the century to Mike Gatting and that Adelaide test in 2005 where he practically bowled Australia to victory.
Shane Warne
Who in your opinion has been the best wicket keeper?
Adam Gilchrist for mine has been the best keeper. Could catch, could bat anywhere in the order and score runs and captained Australia as well. A great player. Other notable mentions include Brad Haddin and Ian Healy as well.
Who in your opinion has been the best umpire?
I grew up watching Tony Crafter officiate test matches and was probably considered the best of his time. Simon Taufel recently was pretty good and considered the best of his time. Favourites include Billy Bowden and Dickie Bird as well for a bit of entertainment on the field.
Tony Crafter
What’s the most picturesque ground you’ve had the opportunity to watch or play a game of cricket?
Ah there hasn’t been many to be honest. Have been to North Sydney Oval but that was for a rugby league game. In terms of a cricket game I’d say the SCG. Sydney Cricket Ground just has so much history within it and the old members and ladies stands being heritage listed just have so much charm.
If there was one match up, a bowler and batsman going head to head at their peak, who would you choose?
At their peak it would have to be Shane Warne v Ian Botham or Viv Richards. The Spin King v Beefy or the Master Blaster would be one clash that would be very interesting to see at their peaks. Both great batters against spin up against one if not the best spinner of all-time.
Ian Botham
What’s your preferred format of the game, Test Cricket, One day games, T20?
I probably enjoy all formats for different reasons. Test cricket because of the strategy involved to win a game within 5 days, one day games a little bit faster version of test cricket and the excitement of chasing a total in 50 overs and T20 because you don’t have time really to get your eye in you have to attack it from the start the first over.
What do Cricket Officials need to do over the next 10 or so years to ensure people get to enjoy the game as much as you do?
Cricket officials don’t need to introduce any more different formats into the game. They need to ensure it stays on free to air somehow, lower ticket prices to the big games and maybe entice more of the big names to T20 cricketers into the BBL.
Who are the 3 cricketers from any era you’d like to invite to a BBQ?
Ah certainly Warnie, Shane Warne for sure would be one. Merv Hughes would be another and I’d reckon Mark Waugh as well he could bring the punting knowledge as we would have a few bets as well around the BBQ.
You’re the host of the Parra Cave Podcast. Tell us a little bit about the podcast and your passion for the Parramatta Eels
It’s predominately a rugby league podcast where I interview former rugby league players not only from the Eels but from all clubs. We interview former players, current players, from the superstars in both men’s and women rugby league to fan favourites and also interview the fans and members of the Eels as without the fans you don’t have a game. I’m loving it because I get to ask the questions I want to ask and not necessarily the questions you hear in mainstream media. It’s up to 75 episodes so far and looking forward to many more. You can find it on Apple podcasts, Spotify or your podcast provider. If I could do it every day, I love doing it that much.
My passion for the Eels stems back to 1986 when I first started to support them. Ever since then its grown and grown where I have the Parra Cave home to over 75 Eels jerseys and memorabilia. I just love being a member of the club. It’s like you’re a part owner of the club, you get to meet a lot of new friends. I love the blue and gold colours and how the fans chant Parra Parra Parra chant at home games.
In 2018 I attended every home and away game including places like Darwin and Townsville. I am proud to be a part of the Eels member council where I can be a voice for the members and fans of the club and pass on feedback on certain things. I just want to experience a grand final victory live and when it happens it will be very sweet.
Who is your all-time favourite Eels player?
There are 2. When I started watching rugby league it was Peter Sterling and when he retired it was Nathan Hindmarsh. But that’s a very hard question and one like who is your favourite child as there are names like Fui Fui, Kenny, Eric Grothe Jnr and Snr, Mark Tookey, Steve Ella, Nathan Cayless, Brad Takairangi, Semi Radradra, Stuart Kelly and the list it goes on and on.
Peter Sterling
Which two podcasts have you enjoyed most and why?
I probably really enjoyed my 50th episode with Nathan Hindmarsh as he was one of my favourite players and it was a face to face interview before one of the lockdowns at his café. It was really cool to do it that way as it provided a better interaction and he shouted me lunch so that was cool. Thanks Hindy.
I’d have to say just recently I interviewed Danny Crknovich a player from the 80’s and 90’s and someone we probably haven’t heard from in a while so that was really interesting. I enjoy them all and hoping to get the opportunity to interview such names as Brad Fittler, Brett Finch, Bryan Fletcher, Mark Riddell and more, that’d be pretty cool.
Nathan Hindmarsh