Former Australia batter Nic Maddinson has revealed he underwent chemotherapy for testicular cancer.
The dashing NSW opener has spent most of 2025 battling with his health after having a tumour removed.
Maddinson last played for the Blues in March, receiving the life-changing diagnosis not long after.
The cancer had already spread to his abdominal lymph nodes and lung.
"To know that I caught it probably as early as I could have, and it still spread into other parts of my body, that was scary," Maddinson told Nine newspapers.
"I just think it's so important if you have anything you're worried about, get it checked out."
Nine weeks of chemotherapy ended in July and the 33-year-old was then able to have a one-off hit at Cricket NSW headquarters only two weeks later.
Maddinson played three Tests for Australia in 2016, as well as making six T20 appearances for his country.
He is targeting a return to cricket before the end of this year.
NSW coach Greg Shipperd, in Melbourne for their Sheffield Shield match, said it was pleasing on Thursday to watch live video of Maddinson training back in Sydney.
"We get to watch training as we're watching the game here - so it's live cricket everywhere and he was in the nets (on Thursday) ... and hitting the ball quite nicely," Shipperd said.
"But it's been a really difficult time for him ... one step at a time. But it's just great to him healthy and playing sport.
"All good luck to him."
Maddinson also played for Victoria before returning to NSW.
"He's very close to our group, he means a lot to our group," Victorian coach Chris Rogers said.
"When you hear that kind of news, it's never great. Hopefully he's on the road of recovery."
