The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) has today unveiled a tribute to one of the State’s cricketing icons, with the naming of the Barry ‘Nugget’ Rees Viewing Room.

Occupied by the South Australian and Australian teams throughout each summer, the players viewing room will now recognise Nugget’s contribution to cricket across more than 50 years.

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SACA Chief Executive, Keith Bradshaw praised Nugget’s contribution to cricket in South Australia.

“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.”

Nugget leads the Australian team out alongside captain Steve Smith

Within the cricketing community, Nugget has been an integral member and source of inspiration.

In 1962, a young Barry Rees (18) was employed by David Rowe and Barry Jarman – the latter a former South Australian and Australian Test wicketkeeper – to sweep floors and run messages in their Adelaide sports store.

However, on discovery of his new employee’s passion for cricket, Jarman began inviting Rees to South Australian games at the Adelaide Oval.

Rees immediately made an impact upon all staff and players, and earned himself the nickname ‘Nugget’ after his hero Keith ‘Nugget’ Miller.

Since then, Nugget has been a constant figure within South Australian and Australian cricket’s most-treasured moments.

From the Redbacks last Sheffield Shield title in 1995-1996, to walking the drinks out for Steve Waugh in his final test, and even more recently assisting with the Australian team’s healing following the passing of Phil Hughes, Nugget has forged a unique place in the hearts of generations of cricketers.

Australian Coach Darren Lehmann has always been a strong advocate of recognising Nugget’s contribution to the cricketing communities – underpinned by a special bond they have shared since Lehmann was just 15 years old.

“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.”

The naming of the viewing room continues SACA’s ongoing recognition of iconic past players and contributors to South Australian cricket; with over 25 men and women now presented along the ‘Avenue of Honour’ in the western grandstand at the Adelaide Oval.