Ehren Hazell is preparing for what will be uncharted waters on a couple of fronts.
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The Tamworth star and his Australian under-21s team-mates fly out for Madrid on Tuesday night ahead of their 8 Nations Invitational Tournament foray.
It will be the biggest tournament the 20-year has played in with the Burras to take on the best under-21 talent from Spain, the Netherlands, India, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium and Austria.
"I'm pretty excited," the striker said.
The biggest tournament he has ever played in, other than some tough hockey he isn't really sure what to expect, having not encountered many of the sides competing before or really experienced that European style of hockey.
He has seen a bit of Great Britain and India at the Sultan of Johor Cup, which he has played for the Burras at for the last two years, helping them win gold in 2017 and bronze last year.
The Burras only received a late call-up to the participate in the 8 Nations tournament, which is held annually, after one of the European-based sides withdrew.
"It was a bit of a surprise," Hazell said.
"We got told on the Wednesday that we could be playing in a tournament but it was up in the air."
"On the Friday they said you're going to Spain in about a month."
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The departure of a few of the Burras older heads from last year will see Hazell step up to a more prominent role in attack.
He will be their designated drag-flicker.
It's a role has performed at club level for a number of years with Workies, and at age level for NSW but never for an Australian team.
In readiness he has been flicking for his Sydney club Norwest Strikers.
It has been going pretty well with Hazell finding the net regularly.
He has scored 13 goals for them so far this season. Ten of those have been from flicks, which has been a confidence boost.
Happy with how he has been playing, Hazell is hoping a good performance in the tournament might lead to other opportunities.
"Obviously they are always watching you for selection," he said.
"The Australian development squad that will be good. They're always adding to that."
The only unfortunate thing about the trip is the timing means he won't be able to suit up in the green and white of Tamworth at this weekend's State Championships.
"That's disappointing," he said.
Hazell has played for the Frogs opens for the last five years, and in the top side for the last four.
The Burras have been drawn in Pool B and open their campaign against India on June 10.
