Ryan Harris, Australian cricketer

It’s a common story in cricket: a gifted player bangs on the door of national selection but, for whatever reason, they stay a journeyman.

After nearly a decade on the fringes, pace bowler Ryan Harris seemed to be on that path. Then, in 2009, it all clicked: international success, a Cricket Australia contract, the Indian Premier League… 

The financial side of his life went into top gear but fast bowling is a crippling discipline, and Harris, approaching 30 and pestered by injury, knew time was not on his side. Luckily, Brendan Turnbull was.

Years later – thanks to Brendan – Ryan and wife Cherie have a solid foundation for life after cricket.

“He’s done a great job,” Ryan said.

“About three years ago, we wanted to make sure we were putting our money in the right places.

“It was crucial to get some really good advice.”

They turned to Brendan.

“In cricket, you might be doing a one-year deal or, say, a three-year deal, so you have to be careful where the money goes,” Ryan said. “The knowledge Brendan has about how professional sport works means we don’t have to worry about what is going on.

“We rely on him and it makes it easier to just concentrate on playing cricket.

“For example, we recently had to buy a car and quickly.

“With Brendan, we had access to that money and the wisdom when we needed it.

“That’s what I really enjoy about having someone like him: good and honest opinions.

“Actually, we’ve become mates. We hang out, play golf together and have a beer.”

Brendan and Ryan know many retired sportspeople hit money trouble. They’re ready. And, in some ways, Ryan was lucky to be more mature when his earnings ramped up.

“I’ve seen young guys transition into the Australian cricket team.

“They come from a good year in first-class cricket and suddenly they’re earning up to $500,000 a year.”

Ryan has watched them turn that windfall into serious debt – especially if their form slips.

“I know the money I am earning now I am probably not going to be earning in five years.

“So we nail the debt now, get the houses paid off and set ourselves up to be able to live like we want on a normal-paying job.”

He says Brendan’s knowledge has been essential.

“When we met Brendan, we were a bit taken aback.

“He seemed so young, but the way he spoke, his knowledge and how he broke things down gave us 100 per cent confidence.

“Brendan knows what he’s doing.”