As a rugby fan, Jayden Blake has spent of time in recent years watching and talking about sides of the highest level.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Therefore, to now find himself a handful of strong performances away from the Australian Youth 7s side is something he's still coming to terms with.
Blake is one of only two country-based players who will represent the NSW under 17s at this weekend's National Youth 7s tournament on the Sunshine Coast.
"It is a bit weird when you think about it," he said of the chance to earn national selection.
"You see people on TV playing at that high level and to think you could make it to that next level is a little strange."
While it might seem a little strange, Blake is someone who's quickly becoming a familiar face on the big stage.
This year has been a bumper one for the Dubbo Kangaroos star, with this weekend to mark the second time he's represented his state.
Blake wore the sky blue when playing for the NSW under 18s in the 15-man version of the game while he also got the chance to work alongside the Waratahs and see how that elite side operates.
READ ALSO:
As well as that, Blake was part of the Dubbo Blue under 17s side which won this season's Central West Junior Rugby Union premiership while he was also a member of the NSW Country under 18s squad which toured North America early in the year.
This weekend shapes as something vastly different, with the pace and quality of the National Youth 7s expected to be at the highest level.
"I've never really progressed this far in the 7s," he said.
"Once the 15-a-side season you crack right into the 7s and get into the mindset.
"The fitness has to be quite high, that's one thing, and you've always got to be ready for the ball.
"I enjoy that high tempo though, it's a good challenge."
After playing at the state championships earlier this year, Blake was chosen as part of an initial 60-player NSW squad.
A number of training sessions and trial matches in Sydney followed, before the final NSW squad was named following a three-game trial in Bowral earlier this month.
Blake will be part of one of the two sides NSW will field at the National Youth 7s.
The Blues have a proud record at the tournament, having won a string of titles, and while Australian selection is the dream, continuing that record is the goal for Blake.
"The main goal is becoming a national champion," he said.
"NSW sides have won it for four or five years so we're looking for another one.
"We want to win as many games as we can if further selection comes along then it will come but the main part is doing a job for the team."
Do you want more sport from the Dubbo region? Sign up to our newsletters here:
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
