Ray White Menai supports cricket royalty

RAY White Menai is throwing its support behind a young champion after agreeing to sponsor rising cricket star Austin Waugh.

The son of former Test captain Steve Waugh is forging his own path along cricket’s development pathways, from making himself noticed in Sydney grade competition to playing for Australia at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup.

Ray White directors Matt Debreczeni and Gavin Ottaway are proud to extend their relationship with the Waughs, one which started when Mr Debreczeni sold the Waughs’ family home.

“We both grew up locally playing our chosen sports at representative level so we like getting behind someone wanting to make a go of sport as their career,” Mr Debreczeni said.

“Austin has grown up in our core business area and we’re excited to have the opportunity to support a local sports person of his calibre. He’s a great person who will bring a lot to our business and will also learn a lot from us.”

The 12 month sponsorship agreement will involve the 18-year-old obtaining his real estate licence.

“He won’t be spending a lot of time in our office as he’s pretty busy with his cricket commitments but we’ll support him with his learning,” Mr Debreczeni said.

“Yes he’s got his father in his corner but this is about Austin standing on his own two feet and taking responsibility for himself. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be on his team and watch his star rise.”

Austin, who graduated from high school last year, said he was excited by the partnership.

“I’ve had a lot of cricket on during the last couple of years, along with schoolwork, but now I have finished the HSC I have some spare time so it’s great to keep interests open outside of sport,” he said.

“Being a Menai boy and then moving across to Cronulla, this is a partnership that fits.”

Austin will slot in his real estate education around weekday training sessions and match play across weekends.

“It’s important to get away from cricket and have other commitments,” he said.

“Ray White has a close partnership with Kookaburra Kids and that’s something I’d like to get involved with more. I can’t thank the team at Ray White enough for their support and hopefully this turns into a long term partnership.”