New start for ‘Scissors’

He’s not here for the money, or for a perceived easy passage to rep teams like some players who have come before him.

He’s moved to Parkes for his three-year old daughter Ellie – playing footy is just a bonus.

Having lived in Campbelltown all his life, Szczerbanik (better known as ‘Scissors’) and his partner Mindy started thinking about moving to the country as soon as their daughter was born.

“Once Ellie was born we started to think about how we could give her the best life possible,” Szczerbanik said. “And for us that meant moving to the bush.

“We just didn’t want to raise a family in Sydney.

“I was lucky enough to play for NSW Country with Pat Rosser (Spacemen captain/coach) and Nick Doig last year and I got talking to them about Parkes.

“They convinced me that it was a great place to live and by November last year, bang! We were here.

“It was never about coming here just to play footy. We were looking for somewhere to raise a family.”

A plumber by trade, Szczerbanik found work at Northparkes Mines and is now loving the country way of life.

“It’s just so quiet and peaceful,” he said.

“And we’re really not that far from Sydney if we ever need to head back for anything.

“But at the moment I can’t imagine that we’ll ever move back.”

While it is clear that Szczerbanik and his family have fallen in love with the Parkes way of life, he really gets a sparkle in his eye when talk turns to rugby league.

The 28-year old has a long list of representative honours to his name having played NSW Cup, Bundy Red Cup, Jersey Flegg, for NSW Country and for Group 6.

A bustling second rower in the same mould as Rosser, his size, speed and strength is sure to test many opponents this year.

And ‘Scissors’ is champing at the bit to get on the field.

“Group 6 footy kicks off this weekend but here we’re still four weeks away from playing our first trial match,” he said.

“I just can’t wait to get out on the field. Training has been pretty good but it’s not the same as playing.”

While the difference in the playing calendar may be something of an annoyance for Szczerbanik, there are other aspects of Group 11 he is definitely looking forward to.

“There are no real rivalries between the clubs in Group 6,” he said.

“The clubs are very close together so players move around between them all the time.

“You don’t get that feeling of playing for your town like you do here.”

While he has only been in Parkes for a matter of months, Szczerbanik is already well and truly in the right mindset for the Spacemen.

“I’m really looking forward to playing against Forbes,” he said.

“It’s already so obvious to me that there is a huge rivalry between the two towns and I can’t wait to experience that on the field.

“I’m also pretty keen to have a crack at CYMS considering they beat us in the grand final last year.”

While he will be having a crack at opposition defences, Szczerbanik is well aware that plenty of opposition spectators will be having a crack at him – and he can’t wait.

“I’ve heard plenty of stories about the crowds out here and how passionate they are about the game,” he said.

“I can’t wait to experience bush footy and see if it’s like all the stories I’ve heard. “To play for my town and do them proud.

“And if I cop a bit from the opposition it probably means I’m playing well. It’s all good.”