The 12-year-old has been named in the NSW under 13 hockey team to play in the Australian championships at Perth starting at the end of September.

He’ll be in Western Australia for 13 days. Kurt will be home for a couple of weeks before he jets to Adelaide with the NSW PSSA team to play in the Pacific School Games.

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Kurt is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana.

He had to make a decision as to which State side he’d play with at Adelaide. Kurt was originally picked in the NSW touch team following the State finals played at Wagga. He was a member of the Hunter side that finished third. Kurt was named as middle but admits to being ‘really surprised’ to gain a berth in the State team, even though he thought he played ‘alright.’

Scheduling of the sports makes it impossible for players to be involved in more than one sport at the Pacific Games. However, hockey was always going to have the edge over touch for Kurt.

“I’ve only been playing touch for a couple of years,’’ he explained.

“And I like hockey more.’’

Kurt played centre midfield with Hunter at the State PSSA hockey championships at Wyong, where he was selected in the squad for the Pacific Games. He hopes to nail down that position at Adelaide. Hunter were beaten by Combined Independent Schools in a marathon final. Scores were locked at 3-3 at fulltime resulting in an extended period of extra time. From there it went to a drop off which went to five-a-side before CIS broke the deadlock. Hunter did have a couple of close calls earlier in the tournament.

Kurt’s main focus now is the national 13s championships. NSW would be expected to one of the leading sides for major honours. Kurt will have another year in the age division next year.

Kurt was a member of the Manning side at the State titles held at Armidale when he first came to the attention of selectors. From there he was chosen to attend trials at Newcastle where the State team was chosen.

Kurt is busy in the hockey season. Apart from his representative commitments he also plays with Sharks in the Manning under 14s. On Fridays he heads to Newcastle to play with Norths under 14s while also filling-in for older age divisions, including the under 18s.

The touch footy season has started in Taree. Kurt has represented Taree at the State Junior Cup for the past two years. When he finds time Kurt also plays cricket, golf and basketball. He attends Taree West Public School and credits Mrs Muller and Mr Uwland for their assistance with his various sporting endeavours.