Brenton made it to round 16 of the singles and the quarter finals of the doubles in the Closed Country Championship competition, pitting his skills against other key country players.

Despite having played in the competition for the past 10 years, Brenton said this year was a different experience altogether as a member of the Country Starz program.

“We might be playing as individuals, but this time we are also playing as a team. That means you get to support and learn from each other and that makes a big difference,” Brenton said.

The Country Starz program includes 12 players (three girls) aged 18 to 22, with two chosen from each New South Wales country region.  Brenton and Jason Taylor, 21, of Port Macquarie represent the North East region.

“The program runs for one year and allows us to play in six tournaments, helping us with accommodation, travel and food.  It cuts costs and promotes us playing as a team,” Brenton said.

Brenton started playing tennis at age eight at the Forster Tennis Club.  He is currently coached by Jaime McDonough.  He has also played at school level, making it to the Hunter final for three years for Great Lakes College.

In March this year, he played in the Australian Futures Tournament at Port Pirie, South Australia and Mildura, Victoria, his first at a professional level.

“I want to make it a career.  I love playing one on one.  It’s up to you if you win and your fault if you lose.  I like hitting the balls.  I like the competition,” he said.

To that end, Brenton plays five days a week and now coaches at the Forster Tennis Club.

Forster Tennis Club President Margaret Guider said the club was proud of Brenton’s success.

She said that 2015 was the second year of a three-year period which brought the Closed Country Championship to Forster.

“Our Tennis Club applied for the right to host this event which brings many talented junior and senior players to our town. The players and families really appreciate our area's hospitality and facilities. Tennis Country Management Committee chairperson, Wendy Saville has indicated with pleasure that entries for both Junior and Senior sections have risen this year. Wendy and all her officials look forward to their time in Forster,” Margaret said.

Margaret attributed much of its success to the calibre of volunteers, saying the committee would welcome new volunteers, particularly “aged less than 60”.