A lesson from the big boys

GRIFFITH'S young cricketers were thunderstruck when Sean Abbott and Nic Bills made a flying visit to the town on Wednesday.

The two Sydney Thunder players were in Griffith to host a clinic and said they were excited to meet the city's young cricketers.

"It's always great to be hanging out with young kids who are excited about playing cricket," Abbott said. 

"It's easy to forget that they look up to you."

Abbott and Bills arrived in Griffith on Wednesday afternoon and immediately headed to the cricket nets for a session with the region's up-and-coming players.

While both Bills and Abbott grew up playing in the city, Bills said it was important players in the country knew they also a chance to make it to the big time.

"It's a great idea to come out to places like Griffith and talk with the kids," Bills said. 

"While Sean and me grew up in the city, over 50 per cent of the squad come from the country so it's possible to live your dream."

After making his debut for the NSW Blues last year, Bills said he was excited about the season ahead in both the Blues and the Thunders colours.

"At the moment I'm jus focused on playing as well as I can for NSW but come December I'll be getting as many games as I can in for the Thunder," he said.

Bills said he was also looking forward to playing with Michael Clarke and Shaid Afridi after they signed on to the Thunder side this year.

"Certainly having the guys in the squad will bring some experience and leadership," he said.

Averaging 39 with the bat and taking seven wickets, Abbott had an incredible debut in the Big Bash last year.

But Abbott said he still had a lot to give the Thunder and was hoping to do even better this season.

"I'm always looking to improve," he said. 

"We've had a massive off-season and prepared really well and we've got a big season ahead of us."

After Wednesday afternoon's clinic, the two players visited some local primary schools on Thursday morning before heading off to Leeton.