For Tamworth's Harry Snook, rugby union is not just a pastime, it's a way of life.
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From lining up on Saturdays with the Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club, to representing his school, the 17-year-old loves the thrill of rugby.
Now he will have the chance to ply his trade at state representative level after being selected in the NSW Waratahs under-17 rugby sevens squad.
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Initially picked in a 50-strong squad made up of players from across the state, Snook eventually became one of just two country-based players to make the final squad of 24.
"We [country players] seem to be a bit of a minority but I'm really enjoying it," Snook told the Leader.
"I've been lucky enough to have the chance to play with a lot of the other guys in the squad before, so they have been really accepting and helped me settle in pretty easily.
"It's great to be representing the country in this squad.
"I've been driving down to Sydney for training for the past six weeks hoping to get a spot in this squad.
"Now that I have I'm just really excited and can't wait to go up against the country's best players."
Split into two teams of 12, the Waratahs will be taking on the best players from across the country at the national sevens championships on the Gold Coast in early December.
"I don't think the Waratahs have lost a tournament yet, so it's pretty big shoes to fill," Snook said.
"Hopefully we can do it again this year.
"I'm pretty excited at the moment, I'm sure I'll probably get a bit nervous as it gets closer."
As well as scoring four tries, the year 11 Calrossy student booted seven goals for the game, setting a new first-grade point scoring record for the Magpies in the process.
"The Magpies have been massive for my development," Snook said.
"It's a lot different than school footy, so it has been a big step up.
"I've really enjoyed it and have learned a lot of bits and pieces from the boys along the way."
As for his future rugby aspirations, Snook said he wasn't "thinking too far ahead".
"Hopefully after school I would like to go to Sydney and try my hand at the Shute Shield," he said.
"I don't have any clubs in mind, we will just have to wait and see what happens and what develops."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
