Alex Newsome has utilised natural ability and a strong work ethic, instilled in him as a youngster growing up on his family's Glen Innes farm, to chase his rugby dreams with an unbending resolve.
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And now the 24-year-old Waratahs winger - who has continually improved in his three Super Rugby seasons - wants to elevate his game even further and play for Australia.
Having signed a new two-year deal with the Waratahs last season, and having started almost every match in 2019, Newsome is eyeing his biggest year yet.
It's a year that could see him play in front of his family and friends when the Waratahs confront the Bulls at Scully Park on March 21.
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Speaking to the Leader over the phone on Thursday afternoon, he articulated his desire to become a better player with an accent that probably hasn't changed much, if at all, since he left the family farm - started by his grandfather Ken and grandmother Barbara and still in the family - to attend St Joseph's College, in Sydney.
No doubt he dreamed of playing for the Wallabies while honing his rugby skills at the school. He must feel like he is tantalisingly close to achieving that lifelong aspiration.
"A big personal goal for me is to try and take my game to an international level," he said. "Like any player in Australia, that gold jersey is a big goal for me."
He added: "But also, personally, I really want to be successful in this Waratahs team. We've got a great team now - a really hungry and young group.
"I really want to win a Super Rugby title with NSW. I'm very excited by that challenge."
Entering his fourth year of Super Rugby and his prime years as an athlete, Newsome wants to "stand up" and "insert" himself on the competition.
"I was really happy with last year; I think I started every game but two games ... locking down a starting position is a primary goal."
Along with Glen Innes, Newsome has family in Tamworth and Armidale. The chance to play in front of them in the region of his childhood is "especially exciting" to him.
"[I'm] really excited to bring a high standard of rugby to the region ... I'm really excited to be a part of what will be a great occasion."
The Waratahs' new coach, New Zealander Rob Penney, only joined the team last week, but Newsome said he had brought fresh ideas with him.
"Rob's been really good ... he's a really good guy and he's implementing a few changes to the way we play - so really exciting."
The Waratahs commence their 2020 Super Rugby campaign away to the Crusaders on February 1.