Blues Nic Maddinson eats a toasted sandwich while fielding during a game of cricket in the Ryobi Cup.

NEW South Wales player Nic Maddinson isn't doing much to dispel the perception that most cricketers enjoy food and beer a little too much.

Maddinson couldn't wait until after the game to get his food fix during yesterday's Ryobi Cup game against South Australia.

Instead he pulled a toasted sandwich out of his pocket, quickly downed half of it between balls, then returned the remainder of the delicacy to his pocket before continuing play.

South Australian player Theo Doropoulos was quick to sing cricket's praises as one of the only sports where eating a sandwich mid-game would be possible.

"That's why Cricket is the best ever. Can't do that at a ball-up," Doropoulos posted on Twitter.

Maddinson stashes a toasted sandwich in his pocket and eats it mid game. That's why Cricket is the best ever. Can't do that at a ball-up. — Theo Doropoulos (@TheoDrop) February 14, 2013

Maddinson might want to avoid ball-shining duties the next time he walks onto the field with a secret snack.