ALTHOUGH Bayden Smith and Adam Rhook play in different local teams, they’ve been by each other’s side in their representative careers.
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That will continue in August after the two youngsters were selected in the junior NSW PSSA state side who will head to Cairns.
Their continued development has gone hand in hand with each other from the time they were nine years old.
They’ve been away to every carnival representing Port Macquarie.
Adam’s father, Terry, said it would make the trip away an easier one for the boys.
“It can be daunting even as a parent when you go away you have to mix with all the other parents that you’ve never met before so you have to get to know them pretty quick,” he said.
The combination on the field between Rhook and Smith will be an added benefit to the side.
“He’s done a lot more than I’ve ever done; I’m just a local park hockey player, but they’re both exceptional talents,” Mr Rhook said.
“You’re going to see a bit more of both of them in terms of rep hockey and they’ve got their under 13 state titles coming up in Grafton in a fortnight as well.
“At the selections, each game they got better and better and it was a really special moment when his name was read out.”
Bayden’s father Jarrod said he was hopeful his son would be selected after both the boys went away last year with the Polding team.
It’s the third time they’ve won the championship and the second time the boys have been involved.
“It’s always a surprise when kids make it to the next level because there’s some talented kids out there,” he said.
“The state championships at all levels are mixed all around the country so it’s great for the kids to experience that,” he said.
“It could be the first and last time or it could be the first of many so as long as they make the most of it.”
Both Bayden and Adam usually spend six days a week at the hockey centre,
“They spend a fair whack of time here too so for kids their age it’s more about just this muck around stuff that develops them more as players than the hard training,” Mr Rhook said.
“It’s because they love what they do.”
Bayden said he was looking forward to the experience. He’s been playing the sport for eight years.
“It’s the first time we’ve represented New South Wales,” he said.
Adam said he was expecting the competition to be harder up in Queensland.
He’s been playing hockey for six years.
“My dad played hockey, but he didn’t make too many teams,” he said.
“I can’t wait to play for New South Wales and travelling for hockey will be really good.”