Tara Murray
Sunshine United cricketer Thomas Duxson thought his mates were playing a joke on him when he got a call to be part of a cricket reality tv show.
Duxson was one of 10 players from across the state who got a chance to impress those at BBL club the Melbourne Renegades, as part of, The Renegades Recruit.
The winner gets the opportunity to travel with the Renegades academy players to the Northern Territory for a pre-season trip, which includes a stop at the NT Strike League.
The show was last week shown on the Renegades social media and streaming service Kayo.
Speaking after the first episode, Duxson said he didn’t think twice about being involved. Players who had not had a state contract or played senior Victorian Premier Cricket in the past two years could be nominated for the show.
“It was a bit of a surprise,” he said. “There was some sort of application process and an unknown club or person put my name forward.
“It was a bit of a surprise, it was a good call to take. I first thought it was my friends playing a trick on me.
“I never gave it a second thought.”
Duxson and the other nine finalists were put through some fitness and then skills drills by Renegades women’s coach Simon Helmot and rising Victorian stars Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey and Will Sutherland.
Six players progressed through to the second round after the first episode, with the winner then picked from those players.
Duxson was one of the first players eliminated.
He said it was disappointing not to progress further.
“There were about 10 of us and I was among some really good cricketers,” he said.
“I was one of the first ones cut, which was a big disappointment.
“I obviously struggled with a few things. The cricket side I thought I held my own and was up there with the other guys who got through.
“I was missing a few aspects though. It was a really good day regardless.”
Duxson said it was pretty surreal watching the footage from the first episode.
“It’s not every day you see yourself on Kayo, where the cricket and footy are streamed.
“That’s a different kettle of fish. It was pretty cool.”
The 23-year-old said the experience showed him that you don’t know what is going to happen in the sport. He said he wouldn’t rule out trying to play at a higher level again.
“I played district cricket when I was younger,” he said. “I wasn’t enjoying it so I moved to Sunshine United.
“Both my brothers were playing there. I’m only 23, so there is plenty of time to give it a go at a higher level if I want.”
The winner will be announced after a public vote to decide between the three finalists.
