Whakatāne’s Bradley Rothwell is set to live out a childhood dream this week.
Rothwell has been named in the New Zealand Black Sticks side for the first time as they prepare to take on their Australian counterparts in Darwin tomorrow.

It’s a massive achievement for the former Trident High School hockey star, who has wanted to don the black fern since first picking up a hockey stick as a child.

After shining for Trident and Bay of Plenty at the under-18 level, Rothwell moved to Hamilton to better his hockey, which has paid off with national selection.

It meant a lot of travel from Hamilton to play in the Auckland premier competition, but Rothwell has been happy to put in the kilometres.

He was part of a North v South Series and has also been part of the Junior Black Sticks, so Rothwell’s been on the selectors’ radar for some time.

He received the good news while at work one day.

“I got a call about midday while I was at work and Greg Nicol said it was his pleasure to tell me I was going to be putting on the fern at the Oceania Cup.”

He said representing his country at the highest level felt “surreal” and he was excited to don the jersey.

“It honestly feels like a dream that has become a reality. I’ve always dreamt of this moment.

“I’m very excited; it’s cool to be making my debut against the team across the ditch, but they’re a pretty good side, so it’ll be tough.”

While gametime could be limited in Australia, Rothwell just wants to go out there and do everyone who helped in his hockey journey proud.

He is keen to show what he can do with any opportunity.

“Putting on the shirt is always a privilege, learning as much as I can and completing the task at hand in beating the Aussies.”

“We have a pretty strong group, and I am eager to learn whatever I can.”

Rothwell has had a strong season so far.

“The season has been pretty good, pretty full on and is only just ramping up with Malaysia and India for under-21s as well.”

“I was invited to two Black Sticks camps and flew over to Malaysia as a travelling reserve for the Nations Cup and that was a pretty cool opportunity.”

The Black Sticks take on the Kookaburras in three test matches, tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.