It’s hard to believe that it’s been four years since Queensland legend, Andrew Symonds passed away in a single-vehicle crash just outside of Townsville.
“It’s still hard to comprehend… I still think he’s going to come around the corner at any moment and tell us that it was a big terrible joke”, Nathan Reardon sums up the feeling of most people.
“Roy” as Symonds was affectionately called, loved the Cairns Region. This was his favourite Bulls Masters tour every year so it’s a small token of respect to the much loved late team-mate that they named this tour in his honour.
The tour got off in typical fashion with a hectic school tour schedule that included a trip up to Port Douglas, Mossman and the Mossman Gorge for Michael Kasprowicz and Brendan Nash.
The local schools were handled by Gavin Fitness, Luke Feldman, Joe Dawes and Nathan Reardon. Between them, they covered quite a bit of real-estate, running clinics at St Andrews Catholic College (Redlych), Newmans Catholic College (Smithfield), St Augustine’s and St Mary’s.
The next morning, two of Cairns most prolific cricket exports, Jimmy Maher and Brendan Nash, were immortalised into the fabric of Cairns with two ovals at the Griffiths Park sporting precinct named after them. From this time forward, Griffiths Park 1 will be known as Jimmy Maher field, and Griffths Park 2 will be Brendan Nash field. Two worthy Cairns locals who have gone on to make a name for themselves globally.
The Remembering Roy lunch was an absolute sell-out, with over 360 people cramming into the Cairns Pullman International Ballroom to enjoy an afternoon of high-class entertainment and some fundraising for the local cricket association, and COUCH. COUCH is a charity that supports people and their families who are experiencing cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Steve Waugh headlined the Remembering Roy lunch and spoke with authority on his magnificent career on the field where he is still the most successful Australian captain in the history of the game. The 2004 Australian of the Year recipient also has his hands in some very worthy philanthropic causes, including his own, the Steve Waugh Foundation.
Steve was joined by former vice-captain of Australia’s first touring Sudoku team, Mich Colliss, who despite his serious demeanor, provided some light entertainment! Mick’s story of perseverance was enlightening and inspiring in equal parts, and all who heard his story will remember!
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