She is yet to see a State of Origin rugby league game and an NRL grand final live, but Mrs Johnson ticked off a box as part of the sizeable crowd at yesterday's Ford Ranger Cup match at North Dalton Park.

With a healthy list of present, former and future Australian players in the NSW and South Australian line-ups, Mrs Johnson revelled in one of the nation's favourite pastimes when the domestic one-day caravan came to Wollongong.

"Hockey has always been my sport, I've never really been into cricket,"she said.

"I couldn't see myself travelling up to Sydney for a game, but when I heard this was on I decided it was something I had to see.

"I'm still learning some of the rules of the game.

"My family is helping me out with that, but it's just good to watch and be here to enjoy the day."

Seated in prime position at the northern end of the ground, Mrs Johnson took in the match with her husband Bill and granddaughters Ashleigh and Kaitlin Louth.

Born and bred in Albion Park, Mrs Johnson usually spends her Australia Day at the Shellharbour breakfast by the beach and awards ceremonies.

A key figure in the community, she was awarded the high honour of citizen of the year in 1996 for her dedication to hospital work, meals on wheels, the parents and citizens association and hockey. And now she happily adds cricket to her list of interests.

"I'm not sure I would sit down and watch a whole match on television, but it's certainly something I'll take more notice of now," she said.