For NAB’s Tom Mencinsky, the war in Ukraine hits close to home.
“All four of my great grandparents were born in Ukraine and were refugees during World War II,” he said. “They thought they had left war behind, but 60 years later it’s happening again.
“Our family in Australia is very close, but for them there’s always that thought of the family and friends back home in Ukraine.”
While Tom was born and bred in Australia, the bloodline of his ancestors runs thick and strong, and has even influenced his choice of sport.
“My grandad Myron on my mum’s side played rugby as a kid in Australia, so I guess that was the whole reason I got into it as a seven-year-old in the first place,” he said. “It was because of him.
“He had a very similar build to me, so my family says that I remind everyone a lot of him, which is quite a nice thing to hear.”
Little did seven-year-old Tom know that his talent for footy would provide an opportunity for an even stronger connection to his Ukrainian homeland.
With several Ukrainian rugby league players contributing to the current war effort, Tom is one of six Aussies representing Ukraine in the qualifiers for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup!
“To be selected for the national team has been a special moment for me and the family,” said Tom.
“I grew up playing rugby union, and still play socially, but this was an opportunity to try something different and give back to the community and the culture that brought me up.”
At NAB, Tom is an Agribusiness Manager with a diverse portfolio of customers who rely on his support and advice.
“You often need to have a daily conversation with them, because you’re a trusted business advisor,” he said. “You become part of their business.”
While Tom was beyond excited about his opportunity to travel to Europe to represent Ukraine, he also didn’t want to let down his customers.
“Usually when you tell customers that you’re going on leave for two weeks, they get worried and ask ‘Who do I call? What do I do? Who can I get in touch with?’” he said.
“Fortunately, in this instance every single one of them said, ‘Oh mate, I’m so excited for you. You’ve got to take this opportunity with both hands.’”
Tom’s colleagues aren’t surprised that his customers have his back, including his colleague, NAB Agribusiness Manager Will Massey.
“Tom’s customer obsession is second to none. It’s also reflected in his NPS which has averaged 100 over the last 52 weeks,” Will said.
Tom pulls on the boots for Ukraine at 2am AEDT this Wednesday 23 October (5pm on Tuesday 22 October, local time in France).
“It’s a massive privilege to be selected to represent my grandparents and my Ukrainian heritage,” Tom said in a recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald.
“But it’s even more significant to me during wartime because it shows how Australia is in solidarity with Ukraine in the fight for democracy.”
Good luck Tom! NAB will be cheering you on.
