CONNOR Cook has returned from duty with the Australian under-17s team where he became the first current Hastings cricketer to represent their country.
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Cook competed at the under 17s nationals in Queensland, bringing back with him a wealth of experience as he targets more caps in the future.
The 15-year-old Port Pirate played matches in Mackay and then Brisbane.
Hastings product Brock Larance also played for the Australian under-16 team a year ago, but he wasn’t playing in the Hastings region at the time.
He hopes to don the highly sought-after Baggy Green cap one day, but for now has other goals in mind after his recent experience.
"It was fantastic at the championships. I loved every minute," he said of the matches, where Australia won two games against Northern Territory and Victoria Metro.
"I learnt that one years age difference is a lot. They (opponents) had more experience and could make the right decisions in pressure situations.
"The best thing about the whole experience was the mate-ship I gained throughout the two weeks. The boys went from complete strangers to some of my best mates."
He has returned to school and hopes to bring some of the knowledge he gained which has made him a more complete player.
"It would be good to bring things like game plans and field settings to my club," he said.
The best thing about the whole experience was the mate-ship I gained throughout the two weeks.
- Connor Cook
"Little things that will make the Pirates a more professional outfit and hopefully we can get some wins under our belts."
Cook was amazed at some of the talent he came across on the trip.
"Another great thing is that I saw some of the best players and I was in awe of how good they were," he said.
"At the same time I was at the same carnival so that makes me feel like I deserved to be there."
His next goal is to make the under 17s NSW country side, then the under 17s Australian side.
"Another goal of mine is to make North Coast 18s this year," he said.
"I miss out on Bradman Cup as I will be playing for Australia (but) hopefully my performance at Bradman last year will get me back in the under 17s nsw country squad.
"From there my attitude and performance at the three camps will hopefully get me selected in the under 17s, then I have to play well to gain selection into the Australian team."
The past year for the Camden Haven High School student has been anything but boring, with selection in the NSW All-Schools side last December just the tip of the iceberg.
Cook will head to Dubai in January when the Australian team plays Pakistan.
Matt Attard
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
