ON Friday night he found it hard to get to sleep, but come Saturday it was all good for Charlie Hutchings as he ticked off one of his rugby league goals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 17-year-old got his first taste of playing with the Bathurst Panthers' premier league squad.
Hutchings was one of 18 players Panthers coach Doug Hewitt used at the inaugural Bathurst Nines, giving the young back the chance to test his skills against the likes of defending Group 11 premiers Wellington Cowboys, local rivals St Pat's and the Willie Heta led Orange Hawks.
"I didn't get much sleep last night, but it was all good in the end," Hutchings said.
"On Tuesday at training he [Hewitt] mentioned I might play, then on Thursday at training he told me to go and train with first grade.
"My goal was to play at least one game this year and I've already done that. So yeah now it's keep working hard and I hope I can get another game in."
When it came to the biggest difference between playing with the senior side compared to juniors, Hutchings - who is still eligible for Panthers' under 18s - said it was: "Definitely the fastness in the game."
"It was a very quick-paced game and you've always got to be on your toes, especially in nines with no scrums," he said.
"It was good fun and it was pretty tough, especially being the first games of the season.
"It was just a good experience. It was really great."