COFFS Breakers forward Tim Metcher has one more rugby assignment before taking up a contract with Super-14 club ACT Brumbies.
Next month he heads overseas with the New South Wales Country under 18s for a short tour of Hong Kong, then packs his bags for the move to the national capital.
Three rep sides have been formed from their top provincial sides and we're playing them in four games, he said.
Once that's completed it's back to Coffs for a couple of days, then off to Canberra to get settled in for next season.
From the moment he arrives at the Brumbies Academy, the 18-year-old local premiership-winner will be living the full-on dream of life as a rugby professional.
It's a bit scary to move away from home for the first time but I don't think there'll be much time to think about it once I get going, Metcher said.
Fortunately, I'll be staying with a family who've been friends of ours for many years and that's a big advantage.
Pre-season training with the Brumbies will run from December to March, before Metcher heads up to Sydney to fulfil a club contract with Randwick.
The club has arranged work as a fitness trainer and I'll be studying for my diploma at the same time, he added.
Breakers coach Paul Butcher has been singing the praises of his young protégé for many seasons and predicts his career has unlimited potential.
Tim will be a tier-two professional with the Brumbies which means that if their top line front-rower is injured, he can be called up to first grade with the ACT at any time, he said.
He could then become a full-time member of their side from 2011 if he does well.
While Metcher's career is clearly on an upward spiral he isn't the only young player from Coffs Rugby coming under notice.
Ben Wallace and Will Guest spent the recent long weekend in Scone and turned out for the NSW Country President's XV, coached by Coffs-based (country president) Bruce 'Tub' Worboys.
Their coach has told Coffs Rugby officials the performances of both were outstanding.
Ben became 'Mr Everywhere' in the team, playing well at half, five-eighth and fullback, Worboys said.
He scored a great individual try from fullback when he got outside their winger and made a long run to the line.
Will, as usual, was the quiet achiever ... he played the first three quarters of the game and was always strong, joining the backline and working well with his outside backs.
