With friendship meaning so much to the nation, Tourism NT is challenging Aussies to strengthen their friendship bonds even more by heading to the Northern Territory and fishing Top End waters for a barra worth a million dollars.
This October, 76 iconic NT barramundi will be expertly tagged and released throughout Top End Waters, home of the best barra habitat in Australia. One of the barra will bear a $1 million prize tag, while the remaining 75 barramundi will net their catchers $10,000 each.
As a Mate of the Territory and ambassador for the Million Dollar Fish competition, Matthew Hayden said, “The best memories are made when your mates come along for the ride. Why not hit the water with them in Top End, throw in a line and experience the thrill and challenge of pulling in a big barra. As a Mate of the Territory, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a diverse range of fishing experiences in the Top End. From blue water fishing out of Darwin and the Tiwi Islands, to Billabong fishing at Kakadu, tropical sport fishing in East Arnhem Land and river fishing in Katherine – there’s plenty to see, do and catch in the NT.”
We sat down with Matt for a bit of a chat about what makes this great Aussie icon tick…over and above his love of fishing, that is…
Where did the love of cricket stem from?
Being a boy from the bush it just felt like the normal thing to do. Weekends in our town of Kingaroy situated in the beautiful Scenic Rim of the South Burnett were full of sport. Cricket in the summer and footy in the winter. Cricket hurt less!!!
Was there a moment when you were young where you had to choose between and another sport to play professionally? Or was it always cricket?
I thought I was half decent at all sports but cricket always kept calling me. Have to admit I did always like the cut oranges at half time at the footy but it was never enough, I love cricket!
Did you come from a family of sporting stars?
No although Mum claims she played representative Basketball for Queensland and Gary my Brother was a National Level underage Cricketer.
Tell us what your most memorable experience of playing cricket for Australia?
Very hard to top playing in the Boxing Day Test Match in Melbourne’s MCG.
What does your health and fitness regime look like outside of cricket training and what’s it like now/how has it changed?
My family lives a very healthy and active life. Kellie my wife just completed the 2015 London Marathon and we all compete in Triathlon events during the season. I do love the water, on it, in it or around it fishing or surfing give me that stoke which replaces that feeling I used to get from competitive cricket.
What is the difference between being a good player and a good sportsman?
Not much, I think to be a good player is a good sportsman as well.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If you can’t tell your Mum what you’re up to, you more than likely are doing the wrong thing. Source anonymous, probably was my Mum!!
How did you inspire your team?
Effort, passion and enthusiasm are all in built into my DNA. I reckon it is a country thing. Plus I was never afraid to stand up for what I believed in no matter what the circumstance; in fact the best way to ensure I achieve something is to tell me I can’t do it.
What advice do you have for young kids who dream of playing cricket for Australia?
Surround yourself with good people and go for it.
Where would we find you in your ‘off time’ away from the cricket field?
Stradbroke Island with my family and friends
What are you up to these days?
Apart from my ambassador role as a Mate of the Territory with Tourism NT, I am in partnership with Southern Cross Media Group and I own and manage a talent led production agency called Get Outside Group. We specialize in developing branded media along with our own bespoke media products like ‘Willow Talk’ which is featuring from 10-12am on MMM and Local Works for the next 13 weeks talking about life and cricket with some of our cricketing mates during the Ashes. I also work with a number of philanthropic partners some as a support act like Patron of Ronald McDonald House, PCFA and McGrath Foundation and others we take lead on like the Tiwi Project. I have a great life, full of fantastic opportunity and quality people and I am blessed.
You’re a bit of a foodie…tell us about your love of food and how important it is in your life now?
Food has always been a passion of mine and something I’ve always loved to do, even as a kid. When I was away travelling for cricket, I would love nothing more than getting my hands on some local produce and having a big cook-up for the boys. However, when I do take something home too cook-up, the ‘catch and cook’ approach is definitely the way to go! When I was in the NT last as a Mate of the Territory, we spent the day with Darwin Barr and Crab and netting ourselves some large mud crabs, I cooked them up for dinner that night.
Giving back is important to you – tell us a bit about what initiatives you’re involved in at the moment?
Giving back to the community is something I value and is a priority for me. I have a deep connection with the Northern Territory through the ‘Hayden Reynolds Tiwi Project’ which is based at the Tiwi College. The Tiwi Project is a community based learning program which provides quality education and fosters the aspirations of young Tiwi people, their families and also the wider business community.
What’s your favourite place to visit with the family?
Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory
Favourite place to explore and relax?
Stradbroke Island
What does a normal Sunday look like to you?
Normal doesn’t exist in my world
Your last purchase was…
Tri bars for my bike
Music you listen to…
I love all music apart from heavy metal and hard rock. I really enjoy easy listening music and country.
Your fave place in the world is…
Stradbroke Island
Your sporting highlight was…
World Cup Victory in the West Indies in 2007
Your favourite thing to do on the weekend is…
Cook Pizza with the kids or fire up our Pitt and BBQ on
Your personal style off the field is…
Happy, relaxed
Your sporting icon is…
I have always loved Cam Smith what a champion.
What would we find in your carry-on bag when you travel?
Neck pillow, Bose Noise Cancelling headphones, 2XU compression socks,
Your travel essentials are…
My own pillow
Your favourite pre-workout snack is…
Weet-Bix with some honey from our own bee hives
Your fitness philosophy is…
Go hard or go home.
To find out how you could win $1 million, go to www.milliondollarfish.com.au for more information about registrations and full terms and conditions.
You’ll also go in the draw for a chance to win a trip worth $20,000 for you and three mates to visit the NT.
