GRIFFITH'S Nick Taprell has a good chance of a victory in the Riverina Kyokushin Championships this weekend.
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He has been selected to represent Australia in the World Cup to be held in South Africa in September and will compete in the middle weight division of the event, which will be held at Griffith Leagues Club on Saturday.
Riverina Martial Arts and Total Fitness owner Frank Cirillo, who is a state coach, said Taprell had a good chance of progressing to the finals.
However, he said the quality of entrants was very high and it was likely Taprell would come up against other Australian team members.
Cirillo said the event was one of the biggest tournaments in country New South Wales.
"This year we've got people from Adelaide, Townsville and all around Victoria and NSW. We've got people from four years of age to people in their late 40s and early 50s competing.
"This year we've got the Australian team competing because it's their last chance for a big hit out before the World Cup."
Cirillo said there were a number of local competitors who had a good chance of progressing to the finals.
"The quality of the kids is absolutely amazing," he said.
"We can see there is a lot of potential for Australian team selection in the future."
Cirillo encouraged members of the public to attend the competition and support the locals. There will be two styles non contact and full contact.