Fresh from leading the Perth Scorchers to glory in the Big Bash, Katich was no sooner back at the GIANTS than he was strapping his runners on.
The GIANTS’ intra-club match at Blacktown International Sportspark was his first hit-out as the team’s runner, with Katich notching up a whopping 17.5km.
“I was more nervous about the intra-club match and doing the runner role than I ever was at any stage throughout my cricket career,” Katich said.
“It’s amazing what happens when you get taken out of your comfort zone and (do) something that you’ve never done before, it certainly puts a lot of pressure on.
“I guess I built it up a fair bit too because I wanted to do it well and not to let coaches down so I really enjoyed being out there and it was a big buzz.”
Katich, who also captained NSW during his glittering cricket career, joined the GIANTS as a Player Development Coordinator in November last year.
But the hard yards he’s done travelling around the world playing cricket may yet pale into insignificance against his new role with the GIANTS.
“It certainly was a tough debut,” Katich said. “I don’t think I’ve ever run 17k’s in my life, let alone in two and a half hours out there on Wednesday afternoon so I learnt a lot doing it.
“It was nice to get out there and see what’s involved and obviously the level of concentration required whether it’s dealing with rotations or messages to players.”
As someone who has reached one of the pinnacles of Australian sport, Katich has joined the GIANTS as much for his on-field role as team runner, as well as his proven leadership skills off the field.
Katich trains with the side every time they hit the training track as well as also mentoring the club’s young leaders.
But it’s Round 1 and the Battle of the Bridge against the Swans that he can’t wait for.
“I love the buzz of game day and I think having been a sportsman myself, that’s something I always enjoyed,” he said.
“In footy there’s a huge buzz around game day because there’s big crowds, obviously there’s that excitement from the boys - they’ve done all the hard work during the pre-season and now it’s a matter of them getting out there and enjoying game day and obviously trying to make improvements.”
Formerly a Tigers supporter, Katich said he is well and truly a GIANT now.
“Once I’m out there running around in GIANTS colours - well obviously I’ll be wearing pink - but during the week being in GIANTS colours, that’s where my priorities lie.”
