Robinson has arrived in Canberra to join Tuggeranong Valley Cricket Club for the ACT Premier T20 competition, a move he says is about rediscovering his love for the game and giving back to the cricket community.
After years of playing on some of the world's biggest stages, Robinson’s choice to come to Australia has been all about reconnecting with grassroots cricket and sharing his experience with communities.
“It's about giving back to clubs and communities and just getting stuck into wherever I am really”
The 31-year-old enjoyed a morning of sightseeing in Canberra, he said the new environment of Canberra was both a fresh start and a chance to immerse himself in the community.
“It’s nice to get down to a different part of Australia the weather’s been great, and everyone’s been really welcoming,” he said. “I’m looking forward to meeting the lads, getting out there, and helping the team wherever I can.
For Robinson, who has spent years in professional setups across England and abroad, Canberra represents an opportunity to slow things down not in terms of intensity, but in rediscovering the enjoyment of the sport without the pressures of the international arena.
His arrival in Canberra came through a familiar cricket connection.
“My whole focus coming over to Australia was to improve my game, play as much cricket as possible and just really get amongst cricket again. I haven’t played a lot of cricket back home for a couple of years, so it was nice to get the opportunity to play some T20’s as well and just focus on my game and improving my game again really.”
For Tuggeranong Valley, the signing is a significant one not just for his on-field skill, but for what he brings off it.
After playing in front of crowds of 100,000 at venues like the MCG, Robinsons admits Canberra’s community ovals will offer a change of pace but one he’s embracing wholeheartedly.
“It will be a bit different to the MCG. No, it’s just about enjoying my cricket again to be honest. It’s obviously a very different environment, but I think you always want to perform wherever you play, and it will be no different playing here. Just without 100,000 people which sometimes is a bit nicer anyways.”
The simplicity of the game the camaraderie, the Canberran spirit, the shared stories is what he’s been craving.
“It’s just about seeing how I can help every individual; it will be different for each player. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the younger guys play as well, maybe I can get to a training session or something and see the talent that you guys have got here at the club.”
While he’s here to play, Robinson is also determined to give back to the ACT cricket community. Over the coming months, he’ll lead coaching masterclasses and hopes to spend time mentoring young players at Tuggeranong Valley.
“Coaching is something that I love. I think the way that I have played the game, it has been very analytical. I have done a lot of study on the players that I have played against, and I feel like my brain and the way I work blends itself into coaching a little bit. So yeah, it’s just about getting experience.”
For him, the goal isn’t just about technical skills but about helping others build confidence and connection through cricket.
I’m starting from the sort of bottom as a coach, so it is about getting experience and just keep putting myself in those situations to improve my coaching really.” he explained. “Everyone’s different.
That desire to nurture talent stems from his own roots in club cricket back in England.
“White ball cricket is another achievement I would like to pursue.” he admitted. you guys have got the Big Bash out here which is a huge competition, something that I would love to be a part of.
But for now, his attention is firmly on Tuggeranong Valley and the community that’s already welcomed him as one of their own.
For Canberra cricket, Robinson's arrival represents more than a signing, it’s an opportunity. An experienced international player immersing himself in the grassroots scene sends a strong message about the quality and potential of the local competition.
As Greg (Boorer) said, it’s getting Canberra cricket not on the map but sort of improving the visual of Canberra cricket and that’s sort of why I have come down as well really.”
As the Premier T20 competition gets underway, all eyes will be on Tuggeranong Valley’s fast bowler, but for the impact he’ll leave within the community to. For Robinson it’s not about fame or fanfare anymore. It’s about cricket, pure and simple, and the community that keeps it alive.
With the Prime Minister’s XI fixture and the Ashes fast approaching, Robinsons said he’s eager to watch some familiar faces take the field and couldn’t resist offering a prediction.
“I think whenever you get an international side into anywhere really, it’s great to go and see the high level of talent that will be on show.” Robinson said when asked about the Prime Minister's XI match being held at Manuka Oval on 29-30 November.
“I think it is going to be a really tight series.” He said England have got a very strong, confident team coming over. I think it is going to be 3-2 England. I can't see any rained-out games like we had in England but, yeah it will be tight. Hopefully a 2-all going into the last would make for a great series.”
Whether that prediction comes true or not, one thing is certain: Canberra’s cricket community has gained not just an international talent, but a passionate advocate for grassroots cricket one ready to leave a lasting mark on and off the pitch.
For teammate Harry Thomas, Robinson’s arrival represents more than just an injection of international experience it brings a sense of momentum to the club and the Premier Cricket competition.
“Yeah, it is an amazing opportunity for the boys, Thomas said. We have lost a couple of key personnel from last year’s team which we had a run at the granny and unfortunately, we lost.”
Thomas who recently made ACT Comets Debut, has wasted no time into tapping to a wealth of experience from Robinson.
“We have had a couple of conversations already, where I have asked to pick his brain and stuff.” Said Thomas
With the club eager for another strong campaign in the T20 competition, Thomas said the excitement is real.
“I can’t wait to be honest. Get around with the boys, buzz around for two or three hours and just have as much fun as we can.
And as for watching Robinson in full flight?
“I will leave the celebrating up to him and I will just go about watching the big dog do his thing today.”