Young Futsal White Oban Hawkins is focused on winning the Futsal National League with the Northern Comets but also has a more simple goal in mind this weekend, which brings the opening instalment of the National Series – the first time all teams in the competition are set to come together.

Despite building on his reputation as one of the most promising players in the country, the 17-year-old is yet to find the net in this campaign – and his team mates have made sure he is very much aware of that fact in cheeky fashion.

“I’ve been happy with the way I’ve been playing but I haven’t actually managed to get a goal yet and the boys have been digging into me a bit at training about that,” he admits. “They’ve been asking when I’m finally going to score so I want to do that this weekend and shut them up.”

Even without Hawkins providing a stream of goals, Northern have backed up impressively since surprising many with a runners-up finish last year. With all teams now having played six games each, the Comets are top of the league heading into this weekend’s action, which will take place at the Pulman Arena in Auckland.

Northern are yet to play any sides from south of the Bay of Plenty and, while confident they can stay in the mix for the title, Hawkins knows the next couple of days will prove challenging.

“I’m feeling quite excited because last season we lost to Southern in the final and we have them first up this weekend so we’re looking to get some revenge,” he says.

“But we know they’re a really strong side so it will be hard to match them. And it’s the same with teams like Capital, Canterbury and Central – we know how strong they are and always have good match-ups against them so we can’t wait.”

The heroics of last season have placed more pressure on Northern coach Ouadhah Ragued and his troops but Hawkins is welcoming the prospect of the Comets having a target on their backs.

“I guess there’s a bit more expectation on us but I think this year’s squad is potentially a bit stronger than last year. So we know there’s that increased expectation but we have belief in ourselves that we can go that extra distance and hopefully go one better than we did last year,” he says.

Plenty of expectation is now also being placed on the slim shoulders of Hawkins, who is yet to graduate from high school but has already played for his country at senior level. The talented teen was called up for the first time by Futsal Whites coach Marvin Eakins for a four-team tournament in China last June and relished the opportunity to test his skills against some of the best players in the world.

“That was a really big step up and it was so exciting for me,” he says.

“Obviously, it was the toughest competition I’ve ever faced playing futsal but it wasn’t like I was completely out of my depth and I was actually able to compete with those guys. As a 17-year-old, that was really encouraging for me going forward.”

Aside from being an international in futsal, the Birkenhead College student is also an accomplished footballer and was involved in Birkenhead United’s ISPS Handa Chatham Cup-winning campaign last season.

“Futsal has helped me massively for football, especially in those tight little pockets in which you find yourself in midfield. Having that extra bit of skill and calmness on the ball which I’ve gained from futsal really helps me to get out of those pressurised situations.”

Hawkins will find himself in many of those on the court this weekend as the fight to make the play-offs in the Futsal National League intensifies but it’s a challenge he’s relishing.

“The main goal is obviously to win the league but personally I just want to try to contribute to the team as much as I can,” he says.

“I had my first taste of being captain of the side in the last series and I really enjoyed that so, from a personal stand point, I’d really like to put the armband on again. But, apart from that, I just want to contribute through my play and put us in the best possible position to win the league.”

The first National Series of the Futsal National League takes place at the Pulman Arena in Papakura, Auckland this weekend, for the draw and other information please click here

To view live streaming from the National Series please click here

Article added: Saturday 24 November 2018