The 24-year-old spent the period playing first grade for Bankstown, where he scored over 2000 runs and won a first grade premiership. He was also selected in the Sydney Thunder Academy and was a member of the Thunder’s Big Bash squad.

Despite not ultimately attaining state or national selection, White is proud of his achievements in the sport.

“I’ve got no regrets,” White said. “I’m happy with everything I’ve achieved. I made some really good mates, played a fairly high level of cricket and had a contract for a period of time. 

“But cricket’s not the be all and end all and there comes a point where you have to think about the future and think about what you want to do beyond cricket.”

White’s time in Bankstown marked his second stint in Sydney, after a previous period at Sutherland. That opportunity was hampered by a wrist injury and White believes Bankstown was the perfect club for his return to Sydney.

“It was well suited to what I was doing at the time. There was a completely different atmosphere, a lot more structured, the facilities were great and I was playing with four close mates from down here.” 

White was thankful for the opportunities Bankstown provided him, with selection in the Thunder Academy a particular individual highlight.

While he was never selected in the playing eleven, he had the opportunity to learn from the likes of Shane Watson and Jacques Kallis and took to the field as a substitute fielder. 

“You watch these guys on TV, then they’re there helping you get better. I had the opportunity to be around the squad with Jacques and Watto.

“They teach you so much about technique and the way they go about their cricket. I was able to learn things like their thinking process, things you can’t get from coaches but can get from those experienced guys. 

His Big Bash highlight came the day he took to Etihad Stadium in front of over 23,000 people.

“We were playing the Renegades last year and I had been running water and Andre Russell came off to change his shoes. So I went on and was fielding at deep cover to Aaron Finch. Third ball, Finch hit one down my throat. It was a pretty good feeling, I was on the field for one over, so it was a pretty slim chance that was going to happen.

However, the high point of his time at the club was the premiership won in 2016.

“I have played 15 or 16 years of cricket and that’s one of the best things I’ve achieved. I went into the Bankstown side and we just got better and better throughout the season. We had some tough wins on a pretty flat deck that was not the easiest to bowl on. Then in the grand final we put it all together and played the perfect game of cricket.

“It's something I won’t ever forget, definitely one of my highest achievements in cricket.”

With the demands of living and working in the Illawarra starting to grow, White decided the time was right to return home. It’s a decision he’s glad he made.

“Living and working down here and travelling to and from Sydney for training and games, it gets to that point where you need to think about your future. I wasn’t going to be offered another contract and wasn’t really enjoying that last period of time playing in Sydney. 

“It was time to move on and do something that makes me happy. Being back playing with my brother and mates on the coast has been great. I’m mentally healthy now, I wasn’t at the end of my time at Bankstown.”

Lake Illawarra captain Mark Ulcigrai is also pleased with the decision, with the Lakers undefeated and sitting atop the South Coast table after five rounds. However, Ulcigrai said White’s impact has been felt more off the field than on it.

“He’s had a massive impact on the team.” Ulcigrai said. “Training attendance has increased since he’s been back, our preparation and warm ups have changed and improved a lot. 

“He’s working really hard at training with the younger guys, which is improving their batting and runs for the season.”

The all rounder said he has appreciated the chance to give back to emerging cricketers and impart the lessons he has learned during his time playing the sport.

“We’ve never had too much coaching down this way, so it’s good to know that I can help blokes get better at their game.” White said.

Asked if he had any words of advice for young cricketers in the region hoping to break through, he urged them to do everything possible to achieve their dreams.

“If it’s something you want to do, do it. Don’t leave it and say ‘I could’ve, should’ve, would’ve’, go and have a crack. You’ll be starting in lower grades, but work your way up and it’s all a learning experience. If you have a proper crack and you’re happy, it will probably work out well for you in the end.”

It’s clear Kerrod is a prime example of things working out in the end.