Lara Watts' new role for NSW All Schools hockey side

However, the 16-year-old Taree High student says the Australian All Schools championships to be played on the Gold Coast in August will be the biggest tournament she’s played yet. An Australian side will be named at the conclusion and will be heading to Europe next year. Just to add to the pressure, Lara has been selected in the unfamiliar role of fullback for NSW. She usually plays in the centre midfield.

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

She was named following State trials featuring two NSW Combined High Schools team, Combined Catholic Colleges and Combined Independent Schools. From here possibles/probables teams were named before selectors finalised the squad to head to the Gold Coast. The championships will be conducted at the venue used for the Commonwealth Games earlier this year.

Lara started in her regular role in the centre midfield but was shifted to fullback during the trials.

“The selectors must have thought I went alright, because they picked me at fullback,’’ she reasoned.

Lara’s played a bit of fullback in the past and will try to have a couple of runs there at fullback in club games before the nationals. However, she hopes a lack of experience in the position won’t hinder her hopes of making the Australian side.

Lara has already enjoyed a busy and successful season of indoor and outdoor hockey. In January she was a member of the winning NSW team at the Australian under 15 indoor championships. She was named player of the tournament and was also the leading goal scorer, including a two goal effort in the final.

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Last week Lara was a member of the Hunter girls’ side that won the NSW championship for the fourth successive time. The team recovered from a controversial 1-0 loss in the opening match to charge to the final. This was a drama-charged affair, Hunter defeating Sydney East 3-2 with Lara breaking the 2-2 deadlock in the last 30 seconds.

Lara plays in the Manning under 18 competition with Sharks and division one with Town. This is Town’s comeback season to the top grade and they are currently sitting in second place – Lara nominating Port Macquarie as the team to beat.

She was a member of Taree High School’s State championship winning side last year. The team is on track to defend the crown this season.

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However, the national 16s championship is her main focus now. Lara plays plenty of hockey but that hasn’t diminished her passion for the sport.

“Bloody oath,’’ she replied when asked if she was looking forward to the Australian championships.