It’s hard enough to reach professional status in one sport so to do so in two, and especially when both are New Zealand favourites, is a rare and impressive feat.
But 22-year-old Jock McKenzie became the latest to do so on Sunday when he made his Super Smash debut with the Auckland Aces, having previously earned Super Rugby caps with the Blues.
In fact, McKenzie became the first person since Graham Gedye in 1956 to have played both rugby and cricket for Auckland.
Despite the occasion, McKenzie told 1News he wasn’t feeling nervous heading into the match against the Otago Volts.
“I was looking forward to it, obviously,” he said. “Just trying to enjoy it, it was a pretty special thing.”
It certainly was.
The fast bowler finished 3-31 in his debut, including a wicket on just his second ball – a dismissal that had quite a lot packed into it.
“I've known Ollie [White] my whole life so it was pretty funny bowling against him,” he recalled.
“That first delivery hasn't gone anywhere near where I wanted it to go but ended up being a dot and then I snagged a wicket with the second ball which was pretty nice.
“I don't think he's too happy he got out to me.”
Along with joining the dual sportsman club, McKenzie got a seat at another very special table – his family’s.
He's the younger brother of former Volt, now Canterbury Kings allrounder Angus (Gus) McKenzie. Their father, Grant McKenzie, played 45 matches for Northern Districts in the days before T20 existed and their grandfather Bill McKenzie was also a handy cricketer, having played a Hawke Cup Challenge for Hawke's Bay against Nelson in 1960.
“It's pretty special,” McKenzie said of following in his family’s cricketing footsteps.
“I text my brother before most games in case I play just trying to get ready for the next day.
“Obviously red ball is the pinnacle so hopefully in time, if I score enough runs and take enough wickets, I'll get a crack there but it's pretty special just to be out there knowing they've done it before as well.”
McKenzie said his time with the Blues and Auckland Rugby helped him prepare for his debut last week which isn’t a surprise, since he had someone in his corner who remarkably knew exactly what he was juggling.
Current Auckland NPC assistant coach Jono Hickey was also a dual sportsman, having played cricket for Northern Districts and rugby for Auckland in the 2010s.
“I think it's probably getting harder as the games are both getting more professional and the seasons cross over a little bit,” Hickey said.
“I think the main with cricket was the mobility stuff – throwing, I don't bowl, but that sort of thing and making sure you're still mobile. Whereas with rugby, it's probably a bit more strength based and size and that sort of thing. But both sports, you've got to be fit.”
Hickey and McKenzie’s relationship actually stemmed from before their time together at Auckland with Hickey coaching and later becoming Director of Rugby at Grammar TEC prior to his NPC promotion.
As such, there’s been some shared chat about their experiences, although Hickey said most talk is focused on the now.
“He was pretty open and honest and he's a fairly relaxed human being so yeah, we've sort of spoken about it a little bit and I keep a close eye on the cricket still and it's good to see him get a trot the other day and do really well.
“He's a pretty natural athlete, pretty gifted, obviously very talented young man. He's got a really nice skillset in rugby, very natural kicker of the ball, good passing, and he's got a really good read on the game as well. You can tell he's just one of those youngsters that's sort of good at everything and very natural.”
McKenzie wasn’t named in the Blues squad for the upcoming Super Rugby season, instead focusing on his cricket and desire to chase that “red ball” goal for the time being.
He also laughed off the idea of being the next Jeff Wilson in becoming both an All Black and Black Cap.
“I don't think anybody will ever do that again,” McKenzie said.
“It was pretty outrageous what he did. I'll just take it season-by-season. I'll try to get through this season first.”
Hickey said they’d be watching on with interest too.
“I know the rugby boys are keeping an eye on it now and there's a bit of interest in cricket,” he said.
“Obviously we'd like him to stay in rugby but it's good to see him doing well in cricket as well.”
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