Justin Rodgie: Courage doesn't always roar
UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club | March 19, 2025
Justin Rodgie is from a long line of Sydney First Graders, and the Rodgie influence runs thick through the DNA of the UTS North Sydney Cricket Club.
Justin is the third generation of Rodgie to play in Sydney’s top flight for the club and is the proud owner of First Grade Cap 689.
The Wahroonga junior was a consistent bowler who prided himself on challenging the stumps and being tough to score off. The King’s product has also earned two First Grade caps for Gordon in the Shute Shield to compliment his 37 in Second Grade.
In 2025, Rodgie has found himself helping Head Coach Nic Bills in a volunteering capacity as he looks to progress through the coaching ranks now his playing career has finished. In conducting this interview Justin refused to use the word retirement because “only the greats retire”, which explains plenty about this deep-thinking, polarising figure.
Where did your cricketing journey begin?
I played cricket for Hornsby District Cricket Club and HKHDCA, honestly though it probably commenced as about a 4-year-old playing backyard cricket in Wahroonga.
Who is a player you looked up to growing up? And why?
As a kid, I always wanted to be Brett Lee, but I wasn't good enough or quick enough, so I had drilled into myself the basics of trying to hit the top of the off stump, which is the basic premise of how I bowled up until I stopped playing.
You came through the ranks at King's. What did you learn by playing at school?
We had some outstanding coaches who drilled into us the basics of getting fit, not giving up and working hard. Geoff Spotswood and Trevor Chappell were a terrific influence from that perspective as they had obviously been there before and knew what was required to succeed long-term.
You are a third-generation First Grader for Norths. What does the club mean to you and your family? And how important is it to still be involved?
It is crucial. I grew up around the club; I remember being taken to watch first-grade finals in 1998 and 2002 when I was around 6 and 10, respectively. I am fortunate to have spent quality time with all three generations of club members well, and I feel a sense of responsibility in some respect to make sure cricket is strong in the district. My nephews are now playing in the junior club, and that's the only thing my old man can talk about.
I spent time at Sydney, a club that won seven higher grade comps in the 7 years I was there; Norths have not won a Belvidere Cup since 1931, and if I can play a small part in achieving that end result, it would be highly satisfying.
After a successful stint at Sydney, what did you learn and bring back to Norths in 2022?
Sydney taught me how to win, what was required to be successful and how to prepare to be successful. From that respect, Michael Haire and Dan Smith were competitors who drilled a sense of responsibility into the playing group. The year before I went to Sydney, they had come 18th. We then made the 1st and 2nd grade finals the following year.
Three generations of Rodgie at the SCG.
Having honest conversations with teammates and club members was the driver of success. We were all challenged to get better and were all responsible for understanding how we would do that in consultation with Pubes and Smithy.
I would like to think I started to influence the players at Norths around the idea of training hard, controlling what you can control through the training environment and then, obviously, the will to compete and win. You need to do all you can so that at the end of the day, you walk off that field and not have any regrets.
You are a rare breed of dual first graders, earning caps for Gordon in the Shute Shield. How influential has your upbringing in rugby been?
My family involvement is similar at Gordon to what it is at Norths. It has been integral, Gordon. When I first arrived out of school, we were in the bottom half of the Shute Shield ladder. The club was in financial trouble, and there wasn't a way out by the looks of it. Fast forward 13 years later, and the club is consistently in the top quarter of the competition and has a chance to win the comp every year. It is also back on its feet financially due to the great work of the community and President Matt Glascott.
The lesson I would take from that is to get people around you who challenge you. Don't sit in a room with people who tell you how good you are. It's great to be appreciated, but nothing is better in life than working hard for a common goal.
Tasting success at Sydney CC.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given?
Don't get comfortable; otherwise, you may as well move on.
How vital are honest conversations in high-level sports?
The basis of high performance is built on tough and honest conversations. It is the most important thing. You can't build a team without these conversations and directions. All the successful sides & clubs I have been involved in have done this.
What would you tell a 12-year-old Justin Rodgie?
Never give up.
What is a quote you live your life by?
It's not a quote, but I always say 'Gallipoli' to my mates. I suppose the premise is it could be tougher.
A rare sighting of Rodgie carrying the football for Gordon.
What does North Sydney mean to your family?
Dad wouldn't watch Scott and me when we went to another club, so it meant a lot to him. Grandad, the only thing he could talk about was when he played with Ken Spring and Vic Emery in the 1950's. I look fondly back at that period from 2009 to 2013. In that period, the club won a 1st grade LO and 2nd grade comp and produced several first class players. Hopefully, the current players will have the same memories.
Why did you love playing for the Bears?
There are few better spots to live your life than the North of Sydney. If you can't get up for that and the ability to build friendships for the rest of your life in a sport we all enjoy, I don't know what would motivate you. Beyond that, Scott, my brother, and I were always brought up through stories from Dad and Grandad about North Sydney and its history, so it was hard not to feel affection for the place.
What is your best dish in the kitchen?
Interesting question. I am trying to improve my cooking from a very low base. A good spaghetti Bolognese is something I pride myself on.
- Callum Hill
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