WHEN you have been a regular member of the Australian Steelers team for the last 15 years, there isn’t much left to do.
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Winning gold medal after gold medal and being dubbed the “world’s best player” eventually takes its toll.
But Ryley Batt is excited about a new challenge he is about to face when he takes the reins of the 2016 Rio Paralympic gold medallists in Japan.
Batt and the Steelers will return to the court for the first time in almost six months at the end of this month at the Japan Para Championships.
The 27-year-old, who will turn 28 on the plane on the way to Tokyo said he didn’t believe coach Brad Dubberly was being serious when he asked him to be captain.
“Anyone who captains their country … it’s something you’re very proud of,” Batt said.
“It’s something that not many people get to do in their lifetime and I’m very humble about it and excited and willing to take it on.”
Batt has previously captained the Australians once before, but admitted this one was more pleasing.
“Last time I don’t think it was a tournament where we had a full team,” he said.
“So knowing I’m the number one pick makes it mean that little bit extra and it might be something that continues on, so I’m not just a fill-in captain.”
Batt said Dubberly had even hinted at him keeping the captaincy up until next year’s home world championships and then possibly the Olympic Games.
For someone who admitted to lacking motivation, it was the boost Batt needed.
“I’d love to keep the reins until then because it would be fantastic captaining in front of your home crowd,” he said.
He gave his strongest indication yet that Tokyo 2020 could be his swansong.
“I’ve had a few injuries lately, but I’d definitely like to go to Tokyo even though it will be difficult to defend our medal and pick up another one,” he said.
I’m very humble about it and excited and willing to take it on.
- Ryley Batt
“Tokyo is going to be on par, if not better than Rio and London and I want to experience that again being a captain.
“To lead your team out and sing the national anthem there would be a huge honour and probably be the end of my career.”
He was looking forward to another three years involved in the sport.
“Now it’s time to drop the kay gees and time to focus everything when you wake up in the morning.”
Batt will become just the third Australian to reach 250 games when he takes to the court in the first game of the tournament.
He will also be a guest speaker at the Port Macquarie branch of the Make A Wish Foundation spectacular at Panthers Port Macquarie on May 20.
