WHEN Brody Blackett-Gregg departed for a tour of New Zealand with the Australian men's under-20 netball team, he had no idea the impact he would make.
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After starring for NSW during the year, Blackett-Gregg was hopeful of perhaps starting as the team's goal attack or goal shooter.
Little did he know he would finish the nearly week-long tour as his side's most valuable player.
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His father Robert Gregg said Brody surprised himself with his own performance.
"The tour was a really good learning curve for him," Gregg told the Leader.
"He really stepped up and adapted to how the game is played over in New Zealand.
"The action was a lot faster, the skills a lot cleaner and he really caught on quickly and played really well.
"To win the MVP award was really surprising. In saying that, it was reward for the hard work he put in."
Blackett-Gregg's performance was so impressive he earned himself selection in the Australian invitational side.
"Basically, the side was made up of the best from the under-17 and under-20 Australian teams," Gregg said.
"They played off against a New Zealand invitational team and picked up a really strong 15-goal win.
"Majority of those New Zealand guys went on to earn selection for their sides, so it was a pretty impressive win against a quality competition."
Gregg said the tour was not just a learning curve for his son, but also for him as he prepares to coach the NSW under-17 men's team.
"In terms of coaching drills and things like that, the tour was invaluable for me as well as Brody," he said.
"It will certainly be an interesting challenge for me, but I'm really looking forward to it."
As for his son, Gregg said his upcoming challenges would be off the court.
"Well, he has the HSC coming up and the day after he finishes that, he will have his NSW trials," he said.
"He's full on into year 12 week at school at the moment, with his formal and everything like that.
"I'm sure he will enjoy it because it is a special time of year for the year 12 students."
Gregg said once Brody's studies were complete, he would be ready to return to the netball court.
"It has been a pretty hectic time for him, but it has all lined up pretty well," he said.
"Once he is through all of the HSC and everything, he will be back out training a couple of times with some of the other NSW guys from around the region.
"Hopefully that will get them all ready for the state trials and who knows, a spot in the Australian World Cup team for next year."