Controlling the controllables – Q&A with Joel Austin

All-rounder, Joel Austin, joined UTS North Sydney in 2025/26 and made quite the impression, taking out the Second Grade Player of the Year award after a brilliant season and making his First Grade debut. He’s followed up by an impressive start to 2026/27 in First Grade, contributing with bat and ball in the T20 competition and taking the club’s first five-wicket haul of the season to inspire a big win over Parramatta in the first Belvidere Cup fixture. 

We caught up with Joel to hear about his inspirations and aspirations on and off the pitch.

When did your cricketing journey begin and where did you play your junior cricket?

My cricketing journey started when I was 5 or 6 with Milo Cricket which then led into playing all my junior cricket with St Ives Junior Cricket Club, despite my dad’s wishes and hopes that I would follow in his footsteps of athletics and rugby league.

Who is a player you looked up to growing up, and why?

Some of my earliest cricketing memories revolved around someone I always loved watching, Mitchell Johnson. Particularly in the 2013-14 Ashes, he was a big part of why I fell in love with Test cricket. More recently, would have to be Pat Cummins and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball whenever the team needs him to. 

You came to the Bears at the start of last season and had a pretty epic year, scoring 459 runs, taking 21 wickets, doing the double of a 5-fa and a ton, and being named our Men's Second Grade Player of the Year. What brought you to us and what did you enjoy most about your first season with the club?

I came across as I felt like a needed a change and with my brother, Luke, already at the club, it was an easy choice. I loved every second of my first year with the club! The Second Grade season was one of the most fun and enjoyable seasons I’ve ever had, with the chats on the sideline being better than the cricket some of the time. I am really grateful for how welcome everyone made me feel and every opportunity I was given. 

Joel after his 5-wicket haul against Hawkesbury

How did it feel to score your maiden Grade ton against Mosman with skipper and First Grade record-breaker, Robbie Aitken at the other end?

It felt great, to finally get past the 80s in Grade cricket and against a strong Mosman side where I knew a few of the players made it even better. It was hard work at first, but to have the calming presence of Robbie at the other end, particularly as I was getting close to the hundred, made it a lot easier. The 50m boundary at Bon Andrews helped as well! 

You made your First Grade debut against Fairfield-Liverpool a fortnight after your ton, and played three more Belvidere Cup matches during the season. Did you always aspire to play at the top grade, and what did you learn from those experiences?

It’s always been my goal to play at the highest level possible and challenge myself against the best. To make my First Grade debut was an honour and something I definitely didn’t take for granted. The biggest thing I learnt was that everyone knew their role and strengths and weakness and didn’t try to be someone they weren’t but just stuck to what got them there.

You’re a genuine all-rounder who’s already made a big contribution to First Grade with both bat and ball this season. Have you always excelled in both disciplines and do you see either as your dominant or preferred skill?

I’ve always preferred batting, but I enjoy doing both. Even though I didn’t bowl much for a period of time, I never stopped working on it, mainly to give me something to do at training! I do still see myself as a batting all-rounder largely due to the disappointment and confusion on batter’s face when I somehow get them out!

Joel in action with the ball

You combine playing for the Bears with studying for a Bachelor of Business at UTS and are a member of the UTS Elite Athlete Program. How has it been balancing cricket and studies, and what are your career plans when you leave uni?

Balancing uni and cricket has been pretty easy so far, especially now with the help of the Elite Athlete Program allowing me to schedule my classes around training. As for my career plans, I’m still unsure on what I specifically want to do after uni. I’ll most likely go into finance but what in finance, I’m still trying to decide. 

Your younger brother, Luke, made his First-Grade debut a few weeks ago and you got to present his cap. What does it mean to suit up alongside him at the top grade for the Bears?

It was a special moment for not only me but for the whole family to be able to present Luke with his cap. When I came across to the Bears last year, we were both hoping to play together in any grade and now being able to do it in First Grade is pretty awesome. Makes life a lot easier for our parents as well when they only have to go to one ground!

Luke and Joel after Luke’s First Grade cap presentation

What are your aspirations for the season ahead - both individually and for the club?

Individually, my goal for the season is to score a First Grade 100 and contribute to every game whether it be with the bat, ball or in the field, hopefully cementing myself in the team. As for the club I would love to see all the grades in finals, but in particular First Grade as I think we’ve got a good mix of experience and younger players and I’m sure a lot of clubs will underestimate us.

What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

In terms of cricket, it would be that “there is always next week”. As for life in general, including cricket, it would be to “only worry about what you can control”.

What would you tell a 12-year-old Joel Austin?

I would tell myself to not get too hung up on results, back yourself more and just enjoy it.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years' time?

Hopefully winning premierships with the Bears. As for a career, who knows!