Nathan Breen - whatever is required by the team
Sydney Cricket Club | April 27, 2023
Nathan Breen is first and foremost a great clubman, a very proud Tiger and highly regarded across the Sydney Cricket Club community.
He was the captain of the Sydney Cricket Club 4th premiership winning team in 2016/17 defeating Gordon in the final at Drummoyne Oval
Let’s find out more about Nathan’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
1989
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
I have often described it as doing whatever is required by the team, albeit not that well – I have been first choice keeper for a few seasons, last year finished opening the bowling and have been known to open the batting. Left hand bat and right arm medium bowler.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
I would have to say winning the 4th grade premiership in 2016/17, playing on the SCG, and wicket keeping to Jason Krejza.
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Steve Waugh
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
Daniel MacLauchlan – former WA opening bowler. I left the first couple, top edged the 3rd one for four and apologised – well out of my depth.
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
Didn’t play against them – but to face Russell Arnold at training was impossible – it’s like he had the ability to pull it back towards him whenever you came down the wicket. Wicket Keeping to Jason Krejza wasn’t much easier, just so quick and so much spin.
Jason Krejza
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Seen some good ones – Liam Scott and Harry Manenti despite being very young played a great hand in the final of the 4th grade premiership I skippered. Both got 80’s.
AJ Mosca hit 134 against Sydney Uni to chase down 290 to win in a Sydney 1st Grade One Day Final – just calculated, poised and never looked under pressure.
Zac Crawley in a T20 at Drummoyne where he scored 100* against Ben Dwarshuis and Steve Smith was just a ridiculous display of striking
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?
Daniel Smith – never gave up on the First Grade Premiership and got it this year but it is also no surprise that upon his arrival the club has had almost every success barring a club championship.
Neil Maxwell – had the privilege of playing a few games with Maxi later on in his cricket career but around training, running drills and just having a chat – it’s a game and club that means the world to him.
Neil Maxwell
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Andrew Fitzhenry had the best hands I’ve seen and I only saw him in a comeback season very late in his career. Playing for Penrith and Parramatta in first grade rugby league may have taken precedence over his cricket.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Neil Maxwell captained me in a couple of 2nd grade games. I loved playing with Maxi and learnt a lot from him. We always played attacking cricket. Always moved the game forward and looked for ways to change the game. Ultra-competitive and that got the most out of me. I wish I had seen him in the year they won the 2nd grade competition – I’ve heard some terrifying stories about his performances.
Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?
Queen – with Freddy as lead, but since I can’t I wouldn’t mind the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
1. Daniel MacLauchlan lidded me in that game I spoke about above (we were getting skittled pretty quickly) – the slip cordon got stuck into me and the keeper stopped them to say at least he is getting in behind the ball – in hindsight I just don’t think I was quick enough to get out of the way.
2. Scott Coyte bowling to then 1st Grade captain Tim Sparke in a Semi Final at Coogee Oval
Coyte bumped Sparkey and he topped edged it over the keeper for 4. Scott looked straight at him and said you know where the next 5 will be.
Sparkey then proceeded to hit Coyte over square leg for the next 3 balls…6, 4, 4.
Some Randy-Pete stalwart from the boundary shouted any danger of pitching one up Scott!
To which Scott replied “this is my team I’ll bowl where I want”
Sparkey dispatched the next pitched up delivery over mid on and over the road for 6.
The stalwart shouted back – “you choose where you bowl the next one Scott”
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
I’d have to say my old man – Simon Breen
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
Family – going to see or be with my family always helps
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to have a chat to in person?
With a beer and a parmigiana I’ll chat to anyone…Gerard Whateley, Nelson Mandela, Rachel Riley
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
I play AFL in the offseason, I enjoy sport and watching most sport
What’s your occupation?
High School PDHPE Teacher
Do you have a favourite quote?
Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is stupidity
Nathan on his way out to be at the SCG
