WADE Harry overcame a strained abductor muscle to gain selection in the NSW Blues side to contest the Australian under 15 hockey championships starting in Perth on Saturday.
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The St Clare's High School student carried the injury into the opening round of trials for the State team and admits he wasn't too confident about his hopes of making the trip west.
"But when I was picked for the second round (of trials) I knew I was a pretty good chance,'' he explained.
Wade is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana.
He'll play in the backs for NSW. Two NSW sides will contest the championship, with Wade and fellow Manning player Sam Mudford in the Blue squad. Wade has no hesitation in nominating the other NSW team as the side to beat for honours.
He's no stranger to State selection at either indoor or outdoor hockey.
Wade's represented NSW three times in the field and twice indoor. Hockey has taken him to Melbourne and Adelaide and now Perth for championships while the major indoor games are always at Canberra.
Wade plays for Sharks in the Manning under 18 and A-grade competitions.
He's confident the A-grade side will give the title a real shake this year with the inclusion of a couple of younger rep players from Port mixing in with some experienced campaigners. Sharks started the season in style by defeating perennial powerhouses Tigers in the opening round.
While a number of Manning juniors also make the weekly trip to Newcastle for further matches, Wade is in no hurry to follow, saying it 'might happen' in the future.
Wade will mix his sports this winter as he'll turn out with Taree Panthers in the Group Three Junior Rugby League under 14s. He's played a bit of league at school previously but this will be his debut the Group Three competition.
Wade will alternate between the centre and the wing.
He says there should be no clash, with the under 18s hockey on Tuesday and A-grade Saturday afternoons. Junior league will be played on Saturday mornings.