Ticking off life goals

A local teen has crossed off a major goal again when he received the opportunity to sing the national anthem at an NRL game last month.

Fourteen-year-old Steven Hopwood received the news that he had the gig a week before the game.

It was between the Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers at Tamworth’s Scully Park and the chance to meet some of the current stars of the game.

It was an experience that no ticket could provide for Steven.

“I got to meet all the players and I met my favourite player, Will Smith. It was awesome,” Steven said.

He acknowledges the opportunities he has received has been more than most expect at his age.

“I haven’t even really started my life yet and I’m ticking off my goals,” he said.

Not long before, he had performed in The Armidale School’s production of Legally Blonde which had taken his time, focus and unfortunately his voice.

“I was belting my voice and that did not go too well. So, I lost my voice for three months,” he said.

Singing at the NRL game was an impressive way to take his vocals off bed rest.

This was not the first time he had sung at one of the national games.

He also sang in August last year when the Wests Tigers played against the Sharks, also at Scully Park.

“I am so happy that I got those two chances,” he said.

He attributed his success to all the music teachers who have assisted him since the beginning along with his family members for supporting him.

“I am so grateful that I have my mother, without her, I don’t know what I would do,” he said.

When asked if he hopes to sing for another NRL game he said; “I kind of want to do it in Sydney.”

“I really want to do one of my team’s games, which is Eels.”

While he may be young, he has advice for the many younger teens with great ambition.

“Just follow your goals,” he said.

“All you have to do is ask. If you are capable of doing it, they will give you the gig,” he said.