TAREE'S Kurt Walters is determined to earn a berth in the NSW under 15 side for next year's Australian hockey championships.
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Kurt was named in the train-on squad in 2018, but missed the cut for the titles held at Narellan this year. He was among the youngest trialling for a place. So now he wants to wear the Sky Blue in 2020.
Kurt is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana.
He was named in the provisional train-on squad following the State championships held at Narellan where he played for Manning in division two.
Manning had a mixed bag of results, defeating Port Macquarie and Bathurst, losing 2-0 before a heavy defeat against a Goulburn side loaded with State representatives.
A centre midfielder, Kurt said he was 'pretty happy' with the way he played.
The train-on squad will now attend trials in December and February when the State side will be announced. At this stage it hasn't been announced where the trials will be held.
If successful in making the NSW team Kurt will be off to Bathurst next year for the nationals.
He's no stranger for playing for NSW. Kurt has played for NSW Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) twice and also twice at under 13 level. This has also give him the opportunity to see a bit of Australia, as he's attended championships in Cairns, Adelaide and Perth.
Kurt is enjoying a busy hockey season.
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He's now playing for Sharks in the Manning division one men's competition. He had a couple of runs with Sharks last year, although he said this was more as a fill-in. He's been more permanent this season.
Sharks have made a strong start to the campaign and lead the competition with Port Thunder.
Kurt also plays under 15s with Sharks in the Manning juniors. On Friday evenings he turns out for Norths in the Newcastle under 15s and 18s before getting home to play for Sharks at 8.30 on Saturday.
Generally there's a game's break between games in Newcastle, but Kurt said on occasions he finishes one match and then starts the second straight away. He admits it can be a tiring schedule.
"But I don't mind,'' he added.
The offer to play in Newcastle came after Kurt played under 13s for NSW three years ago. He had a couple of mates from the State team playing at Norths.
Away from hockey, Kurt plays mixed touch football and some golf. He also has the occasional roll at lawn bowls.
Kurt had a season off cricket last summer but intends to have a hit next season.
