Nikolich Aussie Rep In Making

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday October 6, 2005

By LUKE KEENAN

FAIRY Meadow midfielder Nathan Nikolich has the potential to play for the Kookaburras one day, according to NSW under 13 boys' hockey coach Brad Binns.

The 13-year-old was named player of the tournament at the Australian under 13 invitational carnival in Ipswich recently, where he captained the NSW side to third spot.

Binns believed Nikolich thoroughly deserved the award, saying he was one of the most talented players he had coached.

"He played really well, he was fantastic," he said. "He's got exceptional skills, he's a really good leader and just a good kid.

"He could play for Australia. He's got the skills and the determination to go as far as he wants."

The centre-half admitted he would love to represent his country one day, citing midfielder Brent Livermore and striker Jamie Dwyer as his favourite Kookaburras.

The Year 8 Keira High School student knew what would be required of him as captain, having skippered the NSW Country side for the past two years.

"It's a pretty big honour to be captain of NSW," he said.

Talented hockey players run in Nikolich's family with his father, Bobby, and one of his uncles, Norm, having also represented at state level.

The young gun is also an Illawarra cricket representative.

"I love them (hockey and cricket) both, but I probably prefer hockey," he said.

University juniors Robbie Cooke, Flynn Ogilvie and Scott Govers were also part of the NSW side, which finished third in Ipswich.

Queensland won the tournament despite losing to NSW 3-1 during the round-robin event.

And while the field season is over, Nikolich is on tour from this week with the NSW under 14 indoor hockey side.

© 2005 Illawarra Mercury

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