Norths striker wants hot Fiji form

NORTHS sharpshooter Dean Jeffrey is unsure what the opposition will be like when he heads to Fiji this week.

However, the speedy striker is excited about lining up on his first Australian Country under-21 trip.

Jeffrey flies out on Wednesday for a two-week Oceania Cup tournament in Suva, where the Aussies will play teams from New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa.

“I’m hoping for some good hockey and to have a good time away,” Jeffrey said yesterday, relaxing at his Brassall home.

“I can’t wait.”

With the Ipswich hockey season starting in March, Jeffrey sees the trip as a chance to continue his hot form where he netted 25 goals for Norths last season.

The Queensland junior representative carried that form into the Australian Country titles in Tamworth in August.

“Hopefully we’ll come back with the gold medal,” he said, preparing for Australia’s first game on Saturday.

Since playing in Norths’ grand final loss to Easts in September, Jeffrey has maintained his fitness by playing indoor cricket.

Jeffrey expects an added bonus on his first international mission – the conditions in Fiji look to be cooler than the recent heatwave in Ipswich.