1. I have been a major fan of yours since Home and Away. Do you enjoy being the ‘Cowboy’ of the boat or would you prefer to play a much quieter character like RO?

I certainly prefer to play a character who can think independently and doesn’t necessarily follow the rules. It gives them a broader personality; they can be unpredictable, fallible and potentially dangerous – definitely a good recipe for drama. That’s not to say I wouldn’t get a big kick out of playing somebody who is the total opposite either. That would be fantastic was well!

2. In Season 4, Dutchy’s struggle with his past in the Gulf was the highlight of the season for me. Will we see more glimpses of his past in the next season?

Season 5 sees Dutchy thrust into some pretty hot water, both personally and professionally. Many complex situations arise for him on operations within the Navy, and we get to see how his experience as a sailor and strength of character help him to tackle each scenario as it arises.

3. What would you like to see happen to your character or what storylines would you like to play?

I think it’s always nice to discover an unexpected dimension to a character. I think the writers this year have really upped the ante in this regard. Character development is important and I think the scripts this year especially are fantastic and the story lines reflect a high level of creativity. The writers have really thought outside the square this time around and I expect the audience will be really satisfied. This is the season not to miss!

4. Which has been your favourite TV series to work on: All Saints, Home and Away or Sea Patrol. Why?

I have been truly blessed as an actor. Every single show I’ve worked on has been a total joy. The bond formed with every cast and crew member I’ve met is very special, but I would have to say that at the end of the day Sea Patrol takes the crown. It really does feel like a family. There is so much love and laughter shared between everyone in the cast and crew. Plus, every day we are working in one of the most stunning places on earth. It’s pretty hard to beat

5. One of my favourite scenes from Season 4 was from ‘Rawhide’ when Dutchy picked up the XO out of the mangrove swamp and carried her over his shoulder. It was such a great bit of visual humour and I’m wondering if we can expect some more visually funny scenes between Dutchy and Kate in Season 5?

We try to add humour to the show whereever it’s appropriate. Sea Patrol is a serious drama dealing with some serious issues and the lighter moments are always important for balance. There will definitely be some funny banter – after all, it is the Hammersley crew we’re talking about here!

6. When you started on Sea Patrol, did the other cast members play practical jokes on you?

Nothing specific springs to mind – probably because it happens all the time. We are always having each other on. I have just about died laughing on numerous occasions. We are constantly poking fun at each other and no one takes themselves very seriously. There is a saying: “The shortest distance between two people is laughter”. I think that’s very true.

7. What is the worst day of filming you have had to do on the Series?

The only days I find quite rough amongst our schedule are the night shoots. It messes your body around badly going from working during the day to suddenly going for an entire night and then back again. But you just have to look after yourself and rest when you can, and then it’s not so bad.

8. Is there anything that frustrates you about your character and why?

Dutchy has misplaced compassion for himself somewhere. He doesn’t allow people to get too close and is quite protective of his heart, which is a shame because there is a massive one in there.

9. What was your favourite episode in Season 4 to film? What was the most satisfying completed episode to watch? Why?

I loved filming Episode 9 ‘Dutch Courage’. I thought the story was very well written and it centred around Dutchy, so it felt like being the main character in a miniature film almost. It was really satisfying to carefully plot that story emotionally for the character and I was overall very pleased with the result.

I also liked Episode 3 with the radioactive barrels. The scene where 2Dads and I discover the phoney shipment containing house bricks was shot on land at a shipping yard, whereas in the script we were meant to be in an extremely rough sea on a container ship. We had to throw ourselves around to make it look like we were being tossed about in the ship and it was a challenge on top of an already complex scene to pass off as believable. I always love physically demanding scenes that have a lot of dialogue and complicated beats. It’s a challenge to get it all cooking at once.

10. Can you let us in on some of your storylines for Series 5?

You know I can’t answer this question! I’ll give you some one word clues to whet the appetite!

They are not necessarily related:

Shark, cage, camp, loss, undercover, subterfuge, sacrifice, surveillance, passion, UFO, explosives, submarine, heartbreak, fifty calibre, cartel, shower room and bravery!

Make sure to watch!!

1. We saw a lot of personal growth in your character this year, especially after ‘Shoes of the Fishermen’. Did you enjoy portraying this more insightful side of RO as much as the comedic element?

‘Shoes of a Fisherman’ was great fun to work on, especially getting the chance to work with Lap Phan (Hannibal). Robert is a very complex character and it’s nice to be able to reveal elements of his personality and history to the audience. I love working with comedy but it’s always underpinned with drama anyway, so I feel comfortable putting on my drama shoes.

2. Did you actually get to drive the boat in the ‘playing chicken’ scene in Episode 4.10?

To a point. The stunt team on Sea Patrol is amazing and will always do the difficult action sequences better than me. They did teach me how to drive that boat and the RHIBs so some of what you see is me and some is Halfy (head of stunts).

3. RO’s constant struggle to relate to his shipmates on a personal level is very real to me. Thank you for your amazing portrayal of RO. Is their any aspect of RO’s character that you don’t like?

Not really. I’m sure if I had to spend a lot of time with RO he would get on my nerves but when I’m inside his head I am quite comfortable. He makes me laugh!

4. You play a character that doesn’t joke, and barely ever laughs; yet you have some of the funniest lines/scenes in the show. Your delivery of these lines has been fantastic, but do you feel that it takes away from the serious nature of your character/job?

Not at all – Robert never intentionally makes light of his or anyone else’s work. He can be a strange character at times but he is extremely competent at his job and his crew mates respect him for that.

5. What is the most interesting part about playing a character with a disability on Packed to the Rafters? Is your approach to playing the character of Alex very different to playing Robert on Sea Patrol?

The great thing about Alex is his disability is secondary to him as a person. So in answer to your question, no. I approach both characters in pretty much the same way. Obviously I pay a little more attention to Alex’s physicality and vocal traits.

6. What has been the highlight of your time on Sea Patrol?

Having the chance to work with the wonderful crew, cast and guest artists. It’s a great feeling to have the opportunity to have a job you love and work alongside people you like.

7. Viewers saw a very different side to RO in Season 4. Have you liked how his character has developed? What direction would you like to see RO go in the future?

It’s all about growth. So long as Robert continues to surprise me and the audience I will continue to enjoy playing him. It would be fun to see what would happen if he ever actually got the girl.

8. What would you do if you hadn’t become an actor?

I ask myself that all the time! Honestly, I have no idea.

9. What was your favourite episode in Season 4 to film? What was the most satisfying completed episode to watch? Why?

I really enjoyed shooting ‘Shoes of a Fisherman’. When you work on a show that has so many people putting in their all to make the best show they can, it’s hard to pick just one. When I watch the show I see all the hard work everyone has put in. Every episode has moments that I love.

10. Can you let us in on some of your storylines for Series 5?

I want you to watch, so you’ll have have to wait and see. We will try not to disappoint.