Marcus Atallah - it's important to have a go
Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club Sydney | April 11, 2023
Marcus Atallah joined Eastern Suburbs in 2019/20 to become the Dolphins first grade playing number 710 after spending many seasons at UNSW. Marcus made his first grade debut for Uni during the 2013/14 season.
In his first season with Easts Marcus took 16 wickets at an average of 33.88 and in the 2019/20 Annual Report it was noted he was great in his first year at the Club often taking crucial wickets when needed
What year you were born?
1995
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
Right arm off spinner and lower order left handed batsman.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
Getting to play at the Oval in London in 2014 was pretty special.
At what age did you make your first grade debut?
18.
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Shane Warne and then daylight second.
Who is the best fastest bowler you’ve played against?
Pat Cummins.
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
Ben Manenti – he does not go away all day and his bowling is also pretty handy.
Ben Manetti
Who’s the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
I am particularly lucky to play in a team at the moment where our wicket keepers are Peter Nevill or Baxter Holt depending on the time of the season. They’re both unbelievable gloveman and you hardly notice them behind the stumps. I also got to play with David Dawson who was as safe as houses.
Peter Nevill
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
I saw some mammoths during my time at UNSW particularly from David Dawson and Charlie Wakim. However, the best innings I have seen would have to be from Angus Robson in the past 2 years. He has had multiple innings to win games including against Bankstown this season, but his best was against Sydney last season. He scored 150 odd not out to help us chase down 380. As everyone would know, Sydney are a powerhouse in our competition which made the innings extra special. Well done Warren.
Who are the two players in NSW Premier Cricket you’ve come to admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Nick Stapleton is right up there. One of the best blokes off the field, Stapo is highly competitive on it and can help to win games for his team with either the bat, ball or in the field. He gives it his all at every point and gets the best out of himself. Pity he’s a sharks supporter.
The second would be Jackson Coutts. A stalwart in 4s and 5s at Easts, Jackson regularly bowls into the wind and does the hard yards that no one else wants to. He is a major reason that the Dolphins are so strong in lower grades and it is widely accepted amongst our club that Jackson is the man.
Nick Stapleton
Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?
Kylie Minogue.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
None that are PG rated unfortunately.
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
Probably my brothers. We were always super competitive in the backyard and I played a fair amount of cricket with my eldest brother Thomas. He regularly checks in with me before and after games and his advice is always valuable.
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
It would be hard to say just one thing that helps me to stay inspired during challenging times, but I am very lucky to be surrounded by special family and friends who are always supportive no matter the circumstance. I also like to watch replays of Steven Bradbury’s gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Not only does this symbolise how unpredictable things can be, but also that if you stay in the fight long enough things may eventually turn your way.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to have a chat to in person?
Lebron James (GOAT), Shane Warne and Sacha Baron Cohen.
LeBron James
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
Play golf and watch all things sport, and responsibly enjoy a few (but not too many) cold ones in the sun somewhere.
What’s your occupation?
I work at Commonwealth Bank as a Customer Relations Manager in the Advice, Insurance and Investments team.
Do you have a favourite quote?
As Wayne Gretzky once said “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
I like to apply this quote to a number of facets of life, both on and off the field. By taking the scattergun approach, you are likely to hit a target if you keep firing your shots.
Can we ask, what would it mean to you to be selected to play for NSW?
Obviously it would mean a lot. I did dream of playing professionally when I was a kid but I am also realistic and understand that dream is probably very unrealistic these days.
