Travel was the motivating factor.

"I started playing hockey when I was younger,'' the 13-year-old explained.

"Then I changed to soccer for a couple of years with the Cundletown Jets.''

However, the fact that all hockey is centralised at Taree Recreation Centre proved to be an attraction for Jayden and he returned to his junior club, Chatham.

"There was too much travel with soccer,'' he explained

Already his decision has been vindicated as Jayden has been named in the NSW Blues boys side to play in the Australian under 13 championships in Hobart in September/October. That'll mean travelling to Hobart, although he's happy to do that.

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

The selection process started when Jayden attended the NSW under 13 division one championships at Grafton as a member of the Manning side. It wasn't a particularly successful foray for Manning.

"We didn't win a game and came last in our pool,'' he said.

However, Jayden did enough to be named in a 45 strong run-on squad to take part in selection trials in Port Macquarie last month. From here the NSW Blues and NSW Lions teams were named to go Hobart for the nationals.

Jayden thought he played 'pretty good' at the trials and said he was 'really excited' when he found out he had gained selection in a NSW team.

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Lily named in State side

He usually plays in the midfield and hopes that's where he'll start for the Blues.

"We have a training camp before we go to Hobart so I'll find out more then,'' he said.

Jayden has a busy schedule during the hockey season.

He plays in the Manning junior competition with Chatham, turning out in the under 13 and 15 grades. Both sides are currently in second place.

Jayden then backs up to play with Sharks in the division three men's competition.

Playing against men doesn't faze him.

"Naw, it's fun,'' he said.

On Friday evenings he heads to Newcastle to play in the under 15 competition with Maitland.

"Just about everyone in Taree plays in Newcastle now,'' Jayden explained.

"I friend of mine said I should come and have a game. It's good,'' he said.

Jayden's also a member of Taree High School's open boys side. The team is one win away from earning a place in the State semi-finals, so replicating last year's performance.

Jayden doesn't limit himself totally to the hockey field.

He also plays touch football, futsal and dabbles in a bit of athletics, but says hockey is his number one sport.