Nathan Rabnott moved down from Gladstone to play grade cricket for Wynnum Manly in 2006 when he was just 17 years old and now 14 years down the track the prolific right hand batsman is entrenched in the Sea Eagles records as one of their most successful batsmen with 15 centuries to his name.
The former Sea Eagles captain considered retirement last summer but ended up playing on and adding more runs to his very impressive total which now stands at 7,000 runs.
One of the consistently regular run scorers of the past decade in Brisbane Nathan is a much sought after scalp for grade bowlers as he can certainly take the game away from you with his bat. He is another player who if selected at a higher level would more than likely have done very well.
Not only has he contributed on the field with such impressive performances he is responsible for the grounds at the Wynnum’s home of Boundary Street where the main field and wicket is up there with the best in the state.
I caught up with Nathan recently for Cricket Brisbane and threw some questions to him.
What are your early cricket memories?
Being at the cricket on a Saturday afternoon watching Dad play and nagging his entire team to throw the ball to me.
What have been career highlights to date?
Winning the 2010-11 two-day Brisbane grade premiership in what was the club’s 50th season and to be a part of a team that had 4 state players, one international plus a couple of club legends.
What have been your personal highlights?
My maiden First Grade century in a 300 plus run chase against Sandgate. Still the only hundred my old man has witnessed.
Who are the young players at Wynnum you rate as having potential and ones to look out for?
A couple of the winning Tavs (Under 16) players to look out for are Tom Gossett and Luke Hatherell
Who in the opposing teams do you see as having the potential to play for QLD?
Bryce Street, obviously already playing for Qld but I think he has the potential to be a Test player for ten years.
Who’s the player you think might have made it at the next level if given a decent chance?
Although he did play a few games, Scott Walter by a mile. Easily the best player in the grade competition over the past decade or so. Just unbelievable that he could take that many wickets yet not play more professional cricket.
What’s been the funniest moment on a cricket field?
Chris Simpson's mankad on Ben Dunk. Not sure Dunky saw the funny side of it though!
What are your thoughts on how grade cricket could be improved?
Scheduling in my opinion is the main area. Possibly limiting the amount of cricket played to keep guys playing past their mid-twenties and therefore strengthening all grades and allowing younger cricketers to learn the game from playing amongst more experienced players.
What’s on your agenda after cricket?
Still not sure, probably why my retirement did not even last the off season!
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Steve Waugh.
Who’s you favourite footy team?
Brisbane Broncos.
What’s your favourite movie? –
Shooter.
And you favourite music?
Anything from Johnny Cash.
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