In 2017 Kurt was in the NSW Lions side that played in the nationals held in Perth. Later this month he’ll head to Hobart with the NSW Stars.

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

“We played pretty well last year – we came about fifth,’’ Kurt said of the 2017 campaign.

However, as will be the case with most of his teammates, Kurt will be a year older and a year wiser when he flies to Tasmania and is confident NSW will give the title a shake.

“They’ve picked two pretty even (NSW) sides,’’ he said.

“We should go okay.’’

Kurt was picked in a train-on squad of 45 following the State championships played in icy conditions in Wagga earlier in the year. He was a member of the Manning side that won division two. 

Manning clinched the crown when beating Sydney East 2-1 in a tighly contested final. Kurt was among the leading goal scorers in the tournament.

From there the players headed to Port Macquarie for trials and the two NSW teams were finalised. 

Kurt expects to play in the midfield at the nationals.

The 12-year-old has already chalked up a few appearances for his State, having also played for the NSW Primary Schools a couple of years ago in the Australian championships in Cairns.

Hockey has part of his life for nearly since he was a youngster. 

Kurt was introduced to the game to Manning Hockey’s minkey program when he was three. 

He had his first competition game in the under 11s with Taree West at the age of five and was representing Manning under 13s when he was six.

These days he turned out for Sharks in the Manning under 13 and 15 competitions on Saturdays and will play in grand finals tomorrow. 

Friday nights it’s off to Newcastle where Kurt plays for Norths under 15s and 18s.

He made his division one men’s debut this year with Bull Sharks in the Manning competition. Bull Sharks lost the elimination semi-final to Port Thunder a fortnight ago and Thunder will play Chatham in tomorrow's grand final.

“It was really good experience,’’ Kurt said of division one.

“It’s good to play some tough hockey to get me ready for Hobart.’’

Hockey sits at the top of the pile as far as sport is concerned with Kurt.

But he also plays basketball, cricket, touch footy, golf and has had a few games of rugby league with school teams.

“I like playing all sports,’’ he said.