RODNEY CAVALIER was born in Sydney, New South Wales and has always had an interest in cricket. Whilst never achieving great heights as a player he has contributed to the game in many ways. Following school at Putney and Fort Street Boys’ High School he graduated from Sydney University and moved into the world of politics. In 1978 he was elected as a Labor member of the NSW Parliament and served later as a minister in the portfolios of Energy, Finance and Education. Following 10 years in parliament he worked in a number of government-appointed positions befitting his capacities and interests. He is an avid book collector, especially of those on cricket. In 2010 he wrote a well-researched book Power Crisis: The Self Destruction of a State Labor Party. A further book, Bronzed: The Basil Sellers SCG Sports Sculptures Project, was penned by Cavalier in 2013. He is currently chairman of The Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust. He was appointed an officer of the Order of Australia in 2004.