HOCKEY young guns Rohan Lawrence and Tyler McCann will jet to Perth to take on the best hockey stars in the country after being selected to play at the under 13s field hockey national championships.
Rohan was selected for NSW’s top tier side with Tyler named in the under 13s Blues side after they faced some tough competition in selection trials in Sydney on Sunday.
Rohan’s mother Lee said the boys were up against 45 of the state’s best to make the team.
She said Rohan was shocked when his name was listed in the side on Tuesday.
“They did have to cut 13 players off that weekend so he did well to get into the NSW team,” she said.
“[He was] surprised because he was quite intimidated in Sydney watching all the other players.
“Every player down there on the weekend was really good.
“He didn’t think he was going to get in.
“When we got the email on Tuesday he was really surprised and not used the attention.”
Lee said Rohan jumped at the chance to play for his state in Perth.
She believes the start he received from playing hockey in Armidale provided him with the necessary skills to play at the highest level.
“It is pretty well all year round he plays,” she said.
“It has been a good training ground here in Armidale because there is a fantastic indoor competition that is run which keeps them interested.
“The boys really love that and it helps with training up a bit of skills for the outdoor, when you are on a bigger field.
“We have good facilities with the outdoor and there are so many good coaches and trainers.
“We are really lucky to have people to help nurture the young ones up.”
The national championships are held from September 29 until October 8.
