Lithgow has known of Lachlan Sharp’s prowess on the hockey field for many years but now it’s time for the young gun to shine on the world stage.
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The 20-year-old has been selected to make his Kookaburras debut at the International Hockey Federation World League Final in India in December.
Sharp had been training with the senior national squad in Perth and had been tasked with opposing the Kookaburras in several practice games.
However injuries to Sydney brothers Ben and Tom Craig led to Sharp and Western Australia’s Jake Harvie being included in the team.
"I think I've dreamt of it ever since I was a kid and I just can't wait to get over there now," Sharp said.
"You can't get much higher than playing for the Kookaburras.
"Personally I hope to play pretty well... and hopefully the team goes well. We’re looking to put in a good performance as a team to take it out."
The Kookaburras side is jam-packed with stars but Sharp singled out team veteran Mark Knowles for praise.
"He’s probably one of the best players in the world at the moment and leads the side very well... I just can't wait to play with him."
Kookaburras head coach Colin Batch said Sharp’s selection presented a great opportunity at the top level.
“Lachlan has been on our radar for a while having impressed during the National Development Squad’s European tour earlier this year and last year’s Junior World Cup,” Batch said.
“Jake’s selection builds on his recent performances where he impressed at the International Festival of Hockey.
“We feel both can handle this opportunity and we’re excited to give them this chance.”
Sharp will rush back from Perth to see his family for one day before flying to Singapore on Saturday to link up with the rest of the side.
But unfortunately his loved ones will have to watch him from a distance as visitors to India are required to go through a substantial visa application process.
"They'd love to be over there but unfortunately this time they won't be able to.
"They're obviously very excited for me, very proud parents."
The attacking midfielder plays his club hockey with Lithgow Zig Zag and Ryde Hunters Hill. He plays for the NSW Waratahs in the Australian Hockey League.
The Kookaburras first game is against India on December 1.
Australia are grouped against India, Germany and England in Pool B.
Kookaburras team for World League Final
- Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD)
- Tristan Clemons (Bunbury, WA)
- Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW)
- Jeremy Edwards (Hobart, TAS)
- Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW)
- Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT)
- Jake Harvie (Dardanup, WA)
- Aaron Kleinschmidt (Melbourne, VIC)
- Mark Knowles (Rockhampton, QLD)
- Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA)
- Edward Ockenden (Hobart, TAS)
- Lachlan Sharp (Lithgow, NSW)
- Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD)
- Jacob Whetton (Brisbane, QLD)
- Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW)
- Tom Wickham (Morgan, SA) *Plays for WA
- Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, NSW) *Plays for QLD
- Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA)
