Photo Credit: Cricket PNG
‘Cricket has always been a part of my family. My first game was in Melbourne, I was eight years old. I was terrified but just thinking back now, it was good fun! It’s been a long journey.’
The confident 29-year-old says the team is ready for the challenge after a solid preparation at home. ‘Going into the tournament we’re the underdogs because Oman have home advantage and Scotland have been there before. This will be our first time’ Charles says.
With the Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis’ first time playing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, it’s an opportune time to learn from the whole experience. ‘Just knowing that if we’re ever faced with another experience of going to the World Cup I can use this time as something that I’ve done before and have an idea of what to expect.’
Now away from home gearing up for their big matches, Charles says he always misses family and friends, and local food, especially his favourite – rice and bully beef.
‘I’m terrible,’ he laughs as he admits he’s not the best golfer, but oddly enough playing golf is one of the things he’s looking forward to on his downtime in UAE and Oman.
One of his special talents is sewing. He helps his mum out when she needs help sewing, so he dubs himself quite the “sewist”. And he loves his music too. On his playlist you’ll most likely find classics from Bobby Brown, tracks from John Mayer’s latest album and even some old school R&B.
Proud to be representing his country Charles remarks that cricket has brought him far in life. ‘Cricket instills values in a player, such as discipline and being responsible. I think all those values come into play, it teaches you about life. Those values are a big part of who I am now.’
His advice to the younger generation is sport at some level is for everyone, it can make a positive impact. ‘Not everyone is meant to be a doctor, or an engineer. Everyone has something that they’re good at. If you feel that you’re very talented in sports, sports can take you to places. Like I said, just playing and having fun sport will instill good values in your life.’
