SACA unveils Adelaide Oval tribute to 'Nugget'

One of Australia’s most-loved cricket icons, Barry ‘Nugget Rees, has been recognised after it was announced the players’ viewing room at the Adelaide Oval will be named in his honour.

The South Australian Cricket Association announced on Tuesday that the room, which is occupied by Redbacks team members during Sheffield Shield matches and Australian players during the international fixtures, will be named the ‘Barry ‘Nugget’ Rees Viewing Room’.

Rees has been an integral part of Australian and South Australian sides for more than 50 years.

In 1962, an 18-year-old Rees was taken on by David Rowe and Barry Jarman – the latter a Test wicketkeeper – to sweep floors and run messages in their Adelaide sports store. 

Jarman, after recognising his new employee’s passion for cricket, began inviting Rees to South Australia games at the Adelaide Oval.

He quickly became a favourite of the Redbacks players and staff, and earnt the nickname ‘Nugget’ after his hero Keith ‘Nugget’ Miller, the 55-Test allrounder.

Rees has since been embraced by each generation of South Australian and Australian sides to play at the Adelaide Oval.  

SACA chief executive Keith Bradshaw praised Rees’ contribution to cricket in the state. 

“This is a fitting tribute to a man who has spent more time in the players’ viewing room than anyone else in Australian cricket,” Bradshaw said. 

“Nugget has been a trusted and much loved member of the South Australian and Australian teams at every Adelaide Oval fixture for more than 50 years. 

“He has inspired generations of cricketers and we are thrilled that we can honour ‘Nugget’ in this way.”

Australia coach Darren Lehmann, a dyed-in-the-wool croweater, has been a passionate advocate of recognising Rees’ impact.

“The legend of Barry Nugget Rees will live on for a very long time,” Lehmann said.

“It’s very much a fairytale for us to have Nug. It’s not him and his fairytale; it’s our fairytale.”

In a column for cricket.com.au last year, Lehmann expanded on how Rees’ presence was a lift to the players who have donned South Australian and national colours at the Adelaide Oval over the years.

“Nugget’s presence in the dressing room and around the team just gives everyone a lift and there is something special about having him around which is why we get him along for big games such as (last year’s one-day international) World Cup Final,” he wrote.

“I first met him when I came into the South Australia Sheffield Shield team in 1987, playing alongside guys like Hookes, Wayne Phillips and Peter Sleep and opponents the calibre of Mark Taylor, Geoff Marsh, Allan Border, Dean Jones and David Boon.

“But I’ve seen ‘Nugget’ make more centuries when he comes out at the end of a day’s play or the conclusion of a match than anyone I’ve played with or against.

“And it’s a joy to see the smile on his face when he does.”

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