“Rhyan was very focused, highly competitive, tenacious, and had excellent physical qualities to play in the wide role," O’Connor, who now coaches youth players at Central Coast Mariners, said.

“He was keen to improve his ability on the ball and game understanding too."

Grant grew up in Canowindra (on the Belubula River, population around 1500) near Bathurst in country NSW. He moved as a 16-year-old to the NSWIS program in Sydney.

From there he attended the AIS before joining Sydney FC.

Andrew Fearnley was coaching Grant in the U13 and U14 sides at Bathurst 75 (now Western NSW Mariners) where Grant originally started out as a number 10.

“When I was coaching Rhyan he was much more of an attacking player as a 10 for us.

“He was determined and diligent and a fierce competitor. And yes, he looked like a surfer lost in Bathurst and had a larrikin spirit.

“But he had flair and could run a lot too.

“And his mum and dad and sisters were always very supportive of his career. It was a big move to relocate aged 16.”

Grant got noticed playing midfield for NSW Country at the nationals.

From there he was identified as a talent for the future where he lived with a family in Sydney while in the NSWIS program.

And he’s simply powered on from there. NSWIS to AIS, to Sydney FC academy to the Sky Blues first team, to Hyundai A-League star at the club and now Socceroo.

But he hasn’t forgotten his country roots.

“Last October when NSW Country was preparing for the nationals in Coffs Harbour, Rhyan dropped by training,” revealed Fearnley.

“He told the youngsters how he’d changed position from his junior days and that it was about playing where you are needed.

“He also told them about the sacrifices he’s had to make and he conveyed that message well to the young lads.”