Hunter touch football fans have been enjoying the 2020 Youth Trans-Tasman test series, but perhaps none more than Newcastle's Jack Smith.
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The 17-year-old had a successful international debut on Friday, contributing a try to Australia's winning result of 10-7.
He will continue to represent the country throughout the weekend as they play the New Zealand Touch Blacks.
"I've played touch since I was four, I've just been bred into it," the talented footballer said, adding he had played for several clubs and representative teams over the years.
Smith heard about his selection in the Australian Emus U18s Boys team a couple of months ago and was over the moon.
He said it was special to have the support of family, friends and peers who have been watching him play at No. 2 Sportsground.
"I've had all my family there to cheer me on," he said.
"Looking up on the hill and seeing them there was awesome."
Smith's great-grandmother and Awabakal elder Aunty June conducted the Welcome to Country Ceremony at the Australian Jersey Presentation.
Newcastle lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said 70 per cent of people playing in the tournament were visitors from New Zealand or interstate, providing a projected $3.1million for the local economy.
Touch Football Australia CEO Jamie OConnor said there was no cost for the public to attend the tournament at No. 2 Sportsground this weekend, but that a gold coin donation would be collected to raise funds for the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Australia previously hosted the test series in 2015 in Sydney, which featured Newcastle Knights NRL player Kalyn Ponga.
The Open Trans-Tasman is set to follow in April.
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