Geraldton hockey: Nate O’Brien and Braiden Hinge to don black and gold to represent State on national stage

Geraldton’s own Braiden Hinge and Nate O’Brien are off to represent WA in hockey, which will see the two young stars travel to Queensland for the under-14s’ State championships. Braiden, 13, and Nate, 14, have been standout performers for their local teams this season and with the help of their families have made the jump to the State level after countless hours on the road. Nate, a goalkeeper by trade, said it was a tough task breaking into the State team given there were only a few spots for keepers in the squad. “It was very hard for the first trial, because there’s heaps of goalkeepers,” Nate said. “Then slowly tried to improve myself each trial and just get better the more I went down to Perth for trials. “Very happy now that I am in the State team but it was a good challenge.” Braiden, on the other hand a flashy striker, said he enjoyed the experience of mixing with the best under-14s’ players from all over WA. “It was pretty cool to play and train in a different place and to compete with other great players,” Braiden said. “It was hard for me too but was fun to just be there and learn heaps and meet new people.” The two Geraldton hockey stars were able to showcase the talent in the Mid West to the rest of the WA hopefuls, finally securing a black and gold jersey. After countless trips to and from Perth, the pair rightfully earned their spot in the team and now will embark on the tour to Queensland where they will be able to showcase their skills on the big stage. Both boys said it was something they had been aiming to achieve since they started hockey. “I have wanted to play for WA for a long time. So to finally be able to achieve that goal is really special and something I am looking forward to,” Nate said. Braiden added: “I’ve had a hockey stick in my hands since before I could walk, so to be able to go to Perth and get the chance to represent WA is pretty cool.” Nate and Braiden will be jetting off to Queensland, for the Hockey Australia Under-14 National Championships in Brisbane starting on October 5.