YOUNG hockey player Ryan Payne has opened the representative selection door after a couple of years knocking on it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Payne has been picked in the NSW train-on squad after a standout performance in the state championships at Grafton last week.
The under 15 boys won three games and lost three, but the midfielder Payne impressed selectors.
He still has a way to go to make the actual team though.
A squad of about 40 boys has been picked. That will be whittled down to two teams NSW and the NSW Blues for the national championships.
Players are picked on their skill, fitness and potential. Payne ticked all the boxes.
He'll undertake a centre of development program where he'll hone those attributes even more.
He was back in Grafton yesterday and today playing in a Combined Catholic Schools tournament, but Payne's mother Helen said he was thrilled to be selected.
"Absoultely rapt, stoked," she said.
The MacKillop College student's dedication to the sport is amazing. Payne plays B and A grade for the Tacking Point Thunder on the weekend, along with super nines on Thursday nights.
He also umpires.
Senior Thunder club member Stewart Dowrick paid tribute to Payne.
"He's worked hard and kept knocking on the door," Dowrick said.
"This is just the beginning for him and his representative honours."
Dowrick said Payne was the sixth junior to be in the running for state selection in just three years.
Mrs Payne wasn't surprised her son was picked.
"He's passionate," she said.
"He'd be down there every moment of the day, if he could."
She said it wouldn't have been possible without the great support of the Thunder.
"The club is very good," she said.
"It's a great family atmosphere. Everyone chips in and helps out where they've helped out before."
