Wagga City will take plenty of big match experience into this weekend's grand final, but one of the young Cats is also looking to shine on the big stage.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ben Turner got a taste of the top grade last season, but has been a regular behind the stumps this season.
Playing as full-time wicketkeeper for the first time hasn't been without a few challenges, but the 17-year-old is more than happy to fill any role handed to him.
"I haven't always been a keeper but more on and off since I was little," Turner said.
"This has been my first season of keeping.
"I had been doing to part-time so it has been good to do it full-time."
Despite only being a youngster, he's not afraid to be heard behind the stumps either.
"I like to support my mates and I can be a bit cheeky and get into the batsman's head," Turner said. "It is fun but all friendly banter around here."
Turner also made an impact with the bat despite having limited opportunities under the Cats' firing top order.
He's scored 193 runs at 64.3 this season but has only been in the middle eight times.
Turner made 78 against grand final rivals South Wagga earlier in the season and is coming off 46 against the Blues in the first week of finals.
The Junee teenager is hoping to extend his strong form against the Blues in longer format cricket.
"I've been hitting them alright so hopefully I can take the opportunity in the big stage," he said.
However the 17-year-old admitted he's been taking a relaxed approach..
It helps he's got so many experienced teammates to draw upon.
"I'm excited but it's good to have experienced players around me," Turner said.
"Having Owen (Thompson), Josh (Thompson) and Jono (Nicoll) gives me heaps of confidence, and Rob Nicoll as well."
With little cricket in Junee, Turner has travelled over to train and play for the Cats for years now.
He's turned into a real favourite at the club but none of them call him Ben.
Instead he just responds to Richie, after the great Richie Benaud of course.
"I was getting called Benno when I was young so then Richie Benaud came along," he said. "That's basically what I'm known as now.
"No one calls me Ben at all."
Captain Josh Thompson has been impressed with how Turner has really taken to the longer format.
"He never feels like he is under pressure and just seems to bat and bat and bat," Thompson said.
"He doesn't worry about what other people are saying and just trusts himself.
"For a kid that age to be able to do that is outstanding."
READ MORE