Dulwich Hill Gourmet Meats’ Necta Papanicolaou selected in Australian team for World Butchers’ Challenge

Necta Papanicolaou, of Dulwich Hill Gourmet Meats, secured his place on the team after ‘steaking’ his claim as one of the nation’s top butcher’s.

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MEAT the man who has just snagged a spot on the Australian Steelers team for the World Butchers’ Challenge.

Necta Papanicolaou, of Dulwich Hill Gourmet Meats, secured his place on the team after steaking his claim as one of the nation’s top butcher’s at a selection event on the Gold Coast in January.

While it was the first time Papanicolaou, a fourth generation butcher, entered the event, he went in full of confidence.

“I went there guns blazing,” he told the Inner West Courier.

“I was ready to roll, I knew what I wanted to do, I knew what I had to prove.”

But he admitted the experience was nerve wracking, with three judges watching every contestant’s moves and only 90 minutes allowed to showcase their talents.

There was a mystery box challenge and marks were added, or deducted, for each butcher’s creativity.

It is the first time Papanicolaou has been selected for the Australian team. Picture: Craig Wilson

Papanicolaou said when he received the phone call two days after the selection event that he was one of the six team members, he was elated.

“I jumped with excitement,” he said.

“It nearly brought a tear to my eye to tell you the truth. I got really emotional.”

Papanicolaou credited his mum and dad, George and Yiota, for his success.

“I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for my parents,” he said.

He will receive a trophy for his efforts, which will take pride of place in the business’ new shop, which opens in about two months.

The World Butchers’ Challenge will be held on the Gold Coast in September.

Other countries participating include New Zealand, United Kingdom and France.