Why Ipswich teenager has golden opportunity to impress

IPSWICH'S national representative Josh Harding will carry his trademark calm and confident attitude into next week's International Friendship Series.

Ipswich softballer Josh Harding is representing Australia next week after his success with Queensland earlier in the year.

IPSWICH'S national representative Josh Harding will carry his trademark calm and confident attitude into next week's International Friendship Series.

With plenty to play for, the Deebing Heights-based softballer is excited about his latest opportunity as part of the Australian Gold under-19 team.

"I'm feeling quite positive,'' Harding said, happy with his recent training.

The Friendship series is the next important step in Harding's sporting career as he looks to secure a spot in the Australian Steelers under-19 team contesting next year's world series in Canada.

"It's all in preparation for that world series selection,'' he said.

The International Friendship Series is an annual tournament providing valuable international standard experience for highly- regarded players like Harding.

It is also used to assist with talent identification and skill development.

"It's definitely one of the biggest (tournaments in Australia),'' Harding said.

"Everyone is there playing for the world series selection.''

It will be Harding's first time in the Australian Gold team.

However, he previously represented the Australian Green and Queensland sides at the same tournament.

Australian men's and women's Gold and Green teams are playing next week alongside sides including New Zealand, Queensland, NSW and Canberra. The latest Friendship series is from July 3-7 at Redlands.

Harding, 18, gained his latest honour after his consistent pitching and batting performances for Queensland at national championships.

The former St Edmund's College student has boosted his regular training around his work as an apprentice electrician.

The Ipswich Tigers regular has also been playing for the Gold Coast Chiefs in their winter competition to keep his skill level up.

That included a Club Classic in Brisbane a fortnight ago featuring many of Australia's best players.

The Ipswich product also joined some school mates playing indoor soccer for fitness and fun.

"I'm quite happy with everything at the moment,'' he said.

The Aussie Steelers squad member joins the Australian team camp on Friday to finalise preparations for the five-day tournament where Harding expects to play up to 10 games.

Seven teams will line up in the men's competition with nine sides battling for honours in the women's series.

NZ teams visit

As Harding prepares to join his national camp, two New Zealand development teams are on their way to Ipswich as part of their preparations for next week's International Friendship Series.

Ipswich's open and under-19 women's sides will play the New Zealand visitors at the Chubb Street grounds at One Mile from 2pm on Saturday.