A RELATIVE newcomer to the game of rugby, Medowie's Hayden Thompson is well on his way to achieving his ultimate goal - to one day don the green and gold Wallaby jumper.
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The 16-year-old centre, who stands at 185 centimetres and weighs an imposing 88 kilograms, only began playing rugby three years ago and already has representative selectors taking notice.
Last month Thompson, alongside fellow Port Stephens second-row and flanker Tom Lane, was chosen as part of the NSW Combined High Schools open squad to tour South Africa.
"It's an awesome feeling," Thompson, a year 12 Newcastle High School student, said.
"For me it will be a whole new experience because I am still learning the game.
"We play four games in two weeks in the cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg ... it's very exciting and I can't wait to get over there in April."
The talented duo have been travelling once a week to Sydney to train with the state squad while filling their spare time with extra gym and fitness sessions.
Lane, from Fingal Bay, plays with the strong Wanderers club in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby competition, while Thompson is a member of the Merewether Carlton club.
Thompson has also been selected in the Generation Blue under-18 Waratah development squad and is eyeing off a city versus country jumper next season.
"I think playing rugby league early in my junior years has helped me in my development," he said. "I am hoping the South African experience will teach me new skills and a different aspect of the sport."
