The thirteen-year-old is the club’s first junior selected for NSW to take part in the nationals in September.

Scouts had their eye on the centre-half in Grafton in June when his regional team, Newcastle, took on the state’s best.

While Newcastle finished fourth Bruton was invited to Sydney to trial for the state squad and was quickly picked in the 32.

He was then named in the NSW team to travel to Perth in September.

“I felt fine going to Grafton – I was more nervous going to Sydney,” he said.

“It was my last shot at the 13s team at state level.”

As the youngest of four, Bruton followed his siblings into hockey where he quickly displayed talent.

The family-orientated club could only keep him off the field for so long – such was the boy’s enthusiasm – they had to rewrite the club’s bylaws to let him play his first competition at age five.

He moved up into the 11s comp when he was six and onto the 15s when he turned nine.

Bruton recently started playing in A-grade under 18s in the Newcastle competition. That’s balanced with coaching junior players at Nelson Bay and refereeing the seniors.

Bruton’s know for being able to read the game and react. Combined with his talent in defence and attack Nelson Bay Club secretary Lindsay Brown said Bruton was well suited to centre-half.

It’s unclear if that’s where he’ll play for NSW but Brown has belief in him.

“I’ve told him, when he represents Australia, I want front row seats,” Brown said.

“His state selection is proof that such a small regional club can offer hockey coaching, competition and support for a young player to rise to state and national levels.”

Brown said the club was thrilled at his selection but few were really suprised.

“All of us at Nelson Bay Hockey Club are delighted to have been able to contribute in some way towards Joshua’s successes,” he said.

“Josh has always played with a skill, determination and a level of maturity well beyond his years.”

Bruton has embarked on some fundraising to help get him to Perth.

He aims to raise $4000 and has established a mycause.com.au profile (search Josh Bruton) to seek help.

Alternatively go to Nelson Bay Hockey on Facebook for more details.