Rob Nicoll didn't think he'd play cricket again after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis almost two years ago, but it hasn't stopped him from taking to the field.
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After a year away from the sport the multiple premiership winner came as Wagga City's coach this season.
It was supposed to be a non-playing position, but now he's played five matches for the minor premiers and will line up against South Wagga this weekend with a place in the Wagga Cricket grand final up for grabs.
"The intention this year wasn't to play at all but unfortunately the last eight weeks we've had five or six missing from first grade, three or four missing from second grade so I've just filled a number in the side," Nicoll said.
"I haven't really done much - I have batted high and only bowled a few overs - so I've just been helping the club out."
Nicoll has scored 26 and 12 not out in his last two innings and took 2-18 against St Michaels in the second last round of the season.
The 30-year-old admitted his comeback has had it's challenges, and he doesn't intend to stand in anyone's way as finals progress, but has enjoyed getting back out in the middle.
"I love it," he said.
"You get to play with 10 good mates every Saturday and I've had some challenges, but you can't take for granted the mateship you get from playing cricket.
"They are all supportive of what you do and I keep reiterating that it is a game and there are things in life that change things so we should all enjoy the privilege of playing it as I really missed it."
Nicoll's biggest fear after the diagnosis was not being around to see his three young children grow up.
However he's been given hope after starting a new treatment last week.
"Once I finish that treatment and in five weeks time another treatment I've got an 80 per cent chance of not having another episode again," he said. "That is amazing and life is good.
"It's woken me up a little bit and made me appreciate really simple things more.
"I've got three young children and a beautiful wife and I used to take some of those things for granted.
"I would come home from work and be upset about the day at work when who really cares as it is still going to be there tomorrow.
"I enjoy the little things like teaching my son how to ride a bike or teaching him to swim and I appreciate those things more than I ever did before."
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