Steve Edwards. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times
In a squad in which the 18 players boast an average of 100 caps, 22-year-old Steve Edwards comes in some way short.
But his 28 internationals have come in double-quick time since his Black Sticks debut at the Champions Challenge tournament in Belgium in June. He has slipped
comfortably into the pivotal centre-half role vacated when Simon Towns retired.
Ryan Archibald and Blair Hopping were given their chance but coaches Kevin Towns and more recently Shane McLeod felt their greater value was elsewhere. Archibald returned to inside-forward. Hopping became the defensive lynchpin.
Casey Henwood, in and out of the national side since 2003, was handed his chance but in the end McLeod opted for Edwards.
"His natural game is suited to the role," said McLeod. "He is a young guy learning the trade. He is very capable with only his passing game needing some work. He retains the ball well and has good go-forward with power and pace."
Now the North Harbour midfielder is set to play a key role in the must-win Olympic qualifying tournament at his home turf.
He will likely have 70-75 per cent game time in the five round-robins and one play-off match.
"I like to go forward so centre-half suits me," said Edwards who began his hockey at Marina View Primary in Auckland's West Harbour and later played at Westlake Boys High School, coming through the age group ranks with North Harbour.
Now, all sights are focused on the qualifying tournament and there is unfinished business for Edwards and the rest.
After a 3-3 draw with Argentina in pool play in Belgium, they lost 3-2 to a golden goal in extra time in the final.
That rivalry resumes next week with Argentina the top seed in the six-team race for the one Olympic spot up for grabs.
But, McLeod warns, it is far from a two-horse race, with Ireland and France also genuine contenders in the tournament which hits off on Saturday and ends on February 10.
