Triple M breakfast host Beau Ryan was visibly emotional on air on Monday as he paid tribute to his long-time manager and mentor, Wayne Beavis, who passed away on Sunday night.
The former Western Tigers and Cronulla Sharks star was managed by Beavis throughout his rugby league career before transitioning into a career in Australian television and radio.
While breaking the news on his Triple M radio show on Monday morning, Ryan broke down in tears, saying, "I owe everything I've got to Wayne Beavis".
The 40-year-old recounted his final moments with his mentor and friend, revealing that he and fellow NRL star Brad Fittler had flown to the Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon to visit Beavis, who had been battling serious health issues.
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“I am hanging on at the moment,” Ryan said.
“I had a big day yesterday – I had to fly up to the Gold Coast to see a friend of mine who had been unwell
“I went up with Brad Fittler. He has had some health battles and he has been fighting extremely hard.
“He is someone I met when I was 21 and he has been not only my manager … but my mentor and someone I look up to.”
Ryan described Beavis as more than a manager, calling him a mentor and father figure who profoundly shaped both his professional career and personal values.
“He is someone that instilled the importance of family in me and to look after those around you and look after people you love. He has always told me to work hard and pay your taxes – and his name is Wayne Beavis,” he stated.
Choking back tears, Ryan added, “Unfortunately last night after we left him … he lost his battle. I am glad we made it up there but he means so much to so many people”.
“I have been hanging on but I can’t man. I have been trying to be professional. …. But I didn’t really sleep last night.
“I have to go back and see my family. He was like a father to us. He was the first rugby league manager – an accountant, well prepared.”
Beavis, who died on the Gold Coast after battling kidney problems for several years, was a trailblazer in rugby league player management.
Beginning his career around 1990, Beavis managed some of the game’s biggest names, including Brad Fittler, David Gillespie, Steve Menzies, Ivan Cleary, Phil Gould, Jarryd Hayne, John Hopoate, Terry Hill, Mark Geyer, and Beau Ryan.