The 19-year-old tight-head or loose-head prop has gone from not making the Mid-North Coast Axemen’s final squad of 25 to being invited to train with the Australian under-20 squad.

Three weeks ago, Axemen coach Angus Anderson labelled Puchert as a player to watch.

And he was right.

Wallabies forwards coach Mario Ledesma visited Axemen training last Sunday and saw enough from Puchert to invite him to train with the national under-20 squad.

Puchert will play the first two days of this weekend’s NSW Country Championships before he heads to Sydney for the four-day camp.

Ledesma was most impressed with the prop’s technique and attitude and it shows what can happen with hard work and determination.

“I couldn’t believe my ears when Mario asked me to join the 20s and he passed on some really great knowledge so I’m keen to put that to work,” Puchert said.

“When I was younger it was a dream to play such a high level but recently I’ve just been trying to take it a step at a time and just play rugby because I love the game.”

With Australian rugby currently undergoing a rebuild, Puchert’s progression has provided a rare shining light even if the man himself doesn’t see it that way.

“I don’t see myself as any sort of shining light, but when you work hard and put your mind to it, anything is possible,” he said.

“I hope to go down there with an open mind and try to soak everything in and get as much knowledge as I can and hopefully bring that back to the club.”

Puchert’s rapid rise would best be described as bittersweet for club coach Chris Young.

“I’ve resigned myself to the fact we’re going to lose him so I’ll have to start searching for another front rower,” he said.

“Good forwards are thin on the ground at the moment, so I can’t see them asking him to train with the national squad and then telling him to go back to country rugby.”

“But it’s a great opportunity for Dave.”