Lett thrilled with ticket to Malaysia

Dane Lett always knew he was in with a chance of making the Junior Black Sticks under-21 men's hockey team to contest the Sultan Johor Cup invitational tournament in Malaysia from November 5 to 12.

But with some of the senior Black Sticks available for selection, the Dalefield player also knew there were no guarantees, despite having performed well for the Junior Black Sticks in their recent four-test series with their Malaysian counterparts, and being an integral part of the Wellington national league team.

So there was a certain amount of relief when the 18-strong squad was confirmed and Lett's name was amongst it, alongside those of two senior Black Sticks, Shay Neal and Kane Russell, and New Zealand development squad players Nick Ross and Dwayne Rowsell.

"I was pretty hopeful of being there but you never can tell, I wasn't taking anything for granted," Lett said.

He usually plays his club hockey at centre half but expects to be playing at right half or left half for the Junior All Blacks.

Those are more defensive roles but ones to which he is well accustomed.

As befits a player of his promise, Lett's ambitions are to play for the senior Black Sticks and he admits he could be forced to move out of the Wairarapa to boost those prospects.

"I've been thinking about it a lot and it might have to happen sooner or later," he said.