Kempsey born William Lockwood Junior made a leap of faith at the start of the year as he moved to Newcastle to pursue a professional rugby league career and a better future for his family.
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The 18-year-old has already reaped the rewards as he earned selection into the NSW Country Under-18s side and has an opportunity with the Newcastle Knights development squad in the off-season.
Lockwood was picked into the representative side after playing a starring role for the Newcastle Rebels in the Country Championships.
The halfback proved he warranted selection as he orchestrated a convincing 52-6 win for the Country side in their first match against the Papau New Guinea Under-18s in Lismore yesterday. However, Lockwood was his own harshest critic.
“I set up a couple of tries but I was a bit rusty,” Lockwood told the Argus.
“I played good but I know I could have been better, so I will train hard this week and hopefully can put in a better performance on Saturday.”
The Country team will play their final game against the Gold Coast Titans Under-20s this Saturday.
Lockwood decided to move to Newcastle to chase his NRL dream but he admits he needs to juggle the commitments in his life better.
“I live and breath footy, I don’t know what I would do without it - I would be lost” Lockwood said.
“But I know I have to put in more and find more motivation to work harder at training, talent can only take you so far.
“I know I have the ability, it’s just about finding the motivation to put in the extra effort after finishing a long day at work.”
The former Macleay Valley Mustang signed with the Macquarie Scorpions and took the field for their Under-19s and reserve grade side.
Lockwood is hopeful with a full pre-season under his belt and more stability, he will be able to crack into the first grade squad in 2019.
“My training and fitness let me down this year but I won’t have to worry about moving this off-season and I can focus on getting better every day,” Lockwood said.
“I have amazing support from my girlfriend and family and I will put in the extras for them.”
Lockwood also has an opportunity with the Knights to look forward to in the off-season.
“I have a couple of trial days with the Knights scheduled and hopefully I can play to the best of my ability and get picked up in their Under-20s system,” Lockwood said.
“The Knights would be perfect but I would be willing to travel to Sydney if the opportunity opened up at another club.”
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