RISING star Dylan Murphy has come a long way since joining Wauchope Hockey Club at the age of eight.
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The talented goalkeeper with 10 representative caps under his belt has caught the eye of NSW selectors and his dream of playing for Australia is one step closer.
The teenager secured his position in the NSW U13 boys squad after a stand-out performance at the state hockey championships in Taree recently.
Despite a challenging tournament for the Port Macquarie Hastings Hockey Association (PMHHA) team, the the tough going gave Murphy plenty of opportunity to showcase his talent at fending off goals.
"Their team had some pretty strong NSW players in it.
In 2014, Murphy was selected as the goalkeeper for the PMHHA U13 state championship team. He went on to be selected as goalkeeper for the U15 and U13 indoor state championship teams in the same year.
Dylan currently trains several times a week with his father, and coach Robert, focussing on various forms of activity, ranging from agility and technique drills to sessions in the goals with his team.
"As his coach, I would have to say that Dylan's greatest attributes are his attitude and desire to learn and perform," Mr Murphy said.
"He builds great rapport with team mates and peers and on the field he has no fear, something that comes in handy when taking on men twice his size in his B grade men's competition."
With 10 representative caps in the past three years, Dylan's immediate focus is selection for the U13s Nationals in Darwin later this year.
"The State Squad will be a great experience as I get to train and develop with other state level players and work with Hockey NSW coaches," he said.