‘Cricket has given me a drive and I’ve realized my passion. I love cricket and I love working with kids.’
Based in Australia, this jovial chap from Samarai (Milne Bay Province, PNG) and New Zealand knows what his purpose is. Chad already couples his passion of cricket and teaching Australia where he coaches kids at a private school and does one-on-one training. It’s the path he’s decided to take after his retirement from professional cricket.
The 29-year-old all-rounder says cricket has taught him patience and willpower. Apart from other skills that the sport teaches, it’s mostly mental skills and that’s something he’s learnt throughout his career. He adds, ‘It’s been an amazing journey! I get to meet new friends. It’s funny, I was just looking through my passport and realized how many countries cricket has taken me to.’
It all started as a fun game with his dad at around the age of seven, with sloppy bowling skills in his white school shorts. Fast forward to 2012, Chad made the PNG U19 team, and then making the Barras three years later. Former Australian international cricketer, Andrew Symonds and New Zealand international cricketer, Ross Taylor were two men he looked up to growing up. Watching how exceptional they played and finding commonalities about their backgrounds inspired him.
With the games Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis have played over the years, he knows that the boys can win. ‘The same core group who played four or five years ago and won those ODI tournaments are still here. We just need more match practice,’ he says. Commenting on the recent ODI tournaments, Chad says, ‘It’s pretty disappointing but the boys can do better. We just have to play smarter and be fearless. We know that we can turn things around.’
In his down time, Chad loves surfing, playing the guitar and listening to good music. Rooting for his Kiwi artists, he loves anything from Six60 and L.A.B (right now it’s In the Air), with some Afrobeats added to his playlist. He’s also got an eye for photography; something he enjoys a lot.
Currently in Dubai with the Barras, Chad remains positive about the team’s performance in the World Cup. He is trusting in one of his favourite bible verses, Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”