Maitland junior product Josh Trappel still gets goosebumps any time Phil Hughes is mentioned.
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The born 1988 pair roomed together as the sole country kids trialling for the state under-17 team shortly after playing Bradman Cup against one another.
And almost one year on from Hughes’ death it remains difficult for Trappel to comprehend losing a former representative teammate after an incident on a cricket field
“It still gives me goosebumps,” Trappel said.
“He was the first person I ever roomed with when we went away for 17s and we were basically inseparable.
“Being country kids we were the two outsiders so we stuck together because most of the boys were from the city.
“It doesn’t feel like a year at all and it’s still hard to believe it even happened.”
The impact of the initial event, a bouncer striking Hughes in the head during a Sheffield Shield game at the SCG on November 25 last year, continues to felt by Trappel.
The 27-year-old Hamilton Wickham captain now wears a helmet out in the middle, a different approach to his previous five seasons in the Newcastle first grade competition.
“After it first happened it was all that you thought about when you went out to bat,” Trappel said.
“It was always in the back of your mind.
“Now I wear a helmet out there and I never did when I first came to Newcastle but there’s no need to risk it.”
Trappel played in the Regional Big Bash last month at his old stomping ground – City United’s home Robins Oval – and his Hunter Hitman teammate Lincoln Mills has taken a similar approach in the Maitland district first grade competition.
“It’s something that’s always kind of in the back of your mind every time you go out and play now,” Mills said.
“Whether it’s batting and playing a short ball or bowling and digging one in at the batsman – it’s changed the game forever.
“And for me personally, I don’t go out to bat without a helmet anymore, it’s just not worth it.”
Kurri Weston skipper and Maitland John Bull Shield wicketkeeper Tyler Power reckons it has changed attitudes on the field as well.
“I think, in our competition anyway, everyone seems to be playing with a more friendly nature,” Power said.
“You still compete hard when you’re on the field but you’re aware of what can happen.”
MICHAEL CLARKE
“It’s flown [the year], to be honest, it’s obviously been tough. I think about him every day. It’s going to be a really tough day and I think the guys playing are going to do it tough. I think it’s really important that we continue to support the Hughes family and show our respect there.”
MITCHELL JOHNSON
“It still hurts to this day. It definitely affected players around the world and I think it changed the game a little bit for a while there. I had that Ashes series where I was really aggressive and bowling a lot of short balls and I did hit players. And it made me think, was I doing the right thing? You know, was I playing in the spirit of the game?”
BRIAN HAMMONDS - Maitland and District Cricket Association president
“You can see at Test level now how they play with a different pride. It’s about playing for your mate, including Phil, and it makes everyone much more aware of how quickly you can lose it all, even on the cricket field. I think there has been a decline in bouncers at batsman but also the importance of family and mateship.”
MATTHEW TRAPPEL - Central North representative, Hunter Hitmen and City United captain
“The accident changed the way everyone plays cricket today. Every time someone gets hit it’s always fresh on your mind. Although it’s a year on cricket has not forgotton Phil Hughes’ legacy - everyone should play and love the game as he always did.”
LINCOLN MILLS - Northern Suburbs, Hunter Hitmen and Central North all-rounder
“It’s something that’s always kind of in the back of your mind every time you go out and play now. Whether it’s batting and playing a short ball or bowling and digging one in at the batsman. It’s changed the game forever. And for me personally, I don’t go out to bat without a helmet anymore, it’s just not worth it.”
TYLER POWER - Kurri Weston captain and Maitland representative wicketkeeper
“I think, in our competition anyway, everyone seems to be playing with a more friendly nature. You still compete hard when you’re on the field but aware of what can happen.”
ANDREW VICKERY - Eastern Suburbs captain and John Bull Shield winner
“Just made me think a bit more about the emphasis placed on the game of cricket. That, at the end of the day, there are more important things than cricket. It also made me realise it’s a lot more about having fun with a group of mates week to week.”
RICKY DENT - Thornton captain and Maitland representative opening batsman
“A year has flown by. I think it teaches you to never take anything for granted, in cricket or life. I went out and bought a helmet as well.”