The 12-year-old, from Wingham, is turning heads in the Manning snooker scene one year into his tutelage from Manning district snooker champion and former NSW representative player Barry Carlaw.

Barry, now aged in his 70s, likens it to the 'Master and the Apprentice'.

Daniel desires to learn the finer points of snooker and is improving rapidly, putting into matches what he learns in practice.

Snooker is not a sport than can be taught overnight. Players take years to reach a high standard of play.

Daniel has a lot to learn, but his thirst for knowledge about the game has seen him improve his handicap by 28 points in just over six months.

He recently played in his first teams events where he was a member of two teams in different competitions with and against adults.

Daniel was successful in both sides in the respective Manning District snooker grand finals.

He was not only a winner but in most cases won the respect of his opponents with good play.

If Daniel continues his rapid improvement, he will look at contesting NSW junior events later in the year.

Although Sydney based players have more opportunity for competition, Daniel will find it a rewarding experience and see where he needs to advance the level of his game.

There are other juniors in the area who are steadily improving their games. They include Taree's Jacob Nash, Forster's Matt Burke and Wingham's Will Border and Ky Fulton.

The Manning District Snooker Association is looking for more juniors to learn the game.

For interested juniors aged 18 and under, contact Barry Carlaw via email b.carlaw@bigpond.com or turn up at Club Taree with a parent on Wednesday evenings 5pm to 8pm during the first school term.