Pocket Profile: Nic Broes - Queanbeyan District Cricket Club
Queanbeyan District Cricket Club | September 21, 2023
Nic Broes grew up in Bathurst in regional NSW, around 200 kilometres west of Sydney.
He played all his junior cricket in Bathurst and represented Under 19 NSW Country at the National Championships.
In 2022-23 Nic made his debut for NSW Country/ACT 2nd XI team and plays first grade cricket for Queanbeyan District Cricket in the ACT Premier Cricket competition.
Here’s our quick pocket profile with Nic.
What year were you born?
2001
Tell us about your cricket journey?
Grew up in Bathurst and played all my junior cricket with St Pats and then moved into Senior cricket for St Pats Old Boys CC. Played representative cricket both Juniors and Seniors for Bathurst and Western Zone which led to being picked for the NSW Under 19s Country team for the National Championships.
Moved to Canberra when I was 18 to play grade cricket in the ACT and originally played for Western Districts CC for 2 years and then made the transition to Queanbeyan CC.
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
Opening Left Hand Bat, part time Right Arm off spin.
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
Creating unique and lasting bonds and friendships with club mates and opposition. Also being lucky enough to travel all parts of the Country to play is special.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
Hard to pinpoint one moment. My NSW/ACT 2nd XI Debut last year vs Victoria would be right up on top as it was a goal, I had set for myself when first ventured to ACT.
Also, last season scoring my first ACT grade hundred which was 201 not out and it was also on a special day of celebrating my best mate’s birthday who sadly passed away in 2021 so that was definitely a day I will never forget.
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Michael Hussey is easily top of my list. I’ve read his autobiography about 13 times.
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
Haris Rauf in the most frightening net session of my life. But game wise I would say Hanno Jacobs.
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
Tanveer Sangha, seriously crafty and just never misses.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
It would have to be a 2-way tie.
Blake McDonald and Jason Sangha, actually in the same game. Blake scored 2x 90s and Sangha hit 100 and 65 and both were some of the best striking I’ve ever seen and it was in a NSW Metro v NSW/ACT 2nd XI game. It was probably the best win I’ve been apart of too chasing 255 in 45 overs on day 4.
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Who is the best wicket keeper you’ve had the good fortune to play with?
Tom Van Tempest (TVT) – I’ve seen him take some unbelievable grabs and a great bloke to go with it.
Who are the two players you’ve come to admire most in your club in terms of skills and competitive spirit?
Dean Solway is an absolute genius with the bat and slaps them through and over cover-third man for fun!
Tyler Van Luin loves the contest, never backs down and have seen on numerous occasions him carrying his side over the line with bat and ball.
What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?
I would say someone who stands up in big moments when the team needs them most and be able to be calm but also up for the fight all the time. (Fire in the belly but ice in the brain)
Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?
Luke Bryan easily, just need to get my Akubra and I’ll be set.
Who’s the king of selfies at your club?
Selfies I’m not sure on but Kai Brunker is always keen on how he looks.
Favourite city in the world to visit?
Have never been but would love to go to Dallas and watch the Cowboys at ATandT stadium.
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
The first is easily my father. He has sacrificed a lot for me to succeed and have the opportunities I’ve been so fortunate to have. I truly would not be anywhere near where I am without his support and dedication. I’m glad now he is currently getting stuck into over 50s cricket and doing things for himself as he absolutely deserves it.
Another would be Blake Dean. He was instrumental in my move to the ACT and working with him on my game and being able to play alongside and be coached by him has been extremely beneficial for my game. Another great man who gets more out of giving back to cricket and wanting everyone to be the best versions of themselves.
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
I have read the resilience project so many times now and it still does the job. For anyone that has not read it or heard of it, I recommend googling it.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?
Mike Hussey, Hugh Van Cuylenburg and Dak Prescott.
Hugh Van Cuylenburg
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
I love going on hikes and adventures to see waterfalls and caves with my partner Hannah.
Watching horse racing and studying form is also a hobby.
Are you working or at university?
Currently working for Cricket NSW as Blast Specialist where I coordinate programs in schools.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Mental health…is not a destination, but a process. Its about how you drive, not where you are going.”
Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play first class cricket and for your country?
It would be firstly a tremendous honour and privilege as there has been some of the greatest cricketers of all time represent their states and Australia.
It would be great to show that a kid from a regional country town, through hard work, persistence and dedication dreams can be achieved.
Also, it would be a an unreal accomplishment and awesome to moment to share with people that made it possible, family, coaches and players along the journey.
