Catlin won’t rest until he is Manly’s number one

Shaun Catlin could have taken the easy option this season.

Sign on for a NPL 2 club somewhere in Sydney, starting between the sticks each week.

But the 20-year-old is made of stern stuff, and knows he can realise his potential at Manly United.

“Being the number two keeper is tough at times,” Catlin said this week.

“It is a matter of making the most of opportunities when they fall my way.

“After our (first choice) keeper Dylan Mitchell had such an amazing finals series last year, thoughts definitely popped into my head about moving on.

“But with my dad (goalkeeping coach Bob Catlin) and Dylan at Manly, I know they can push me to new heights.”

Catlin only began playing in goal aged 13 with Harbord Seasiders United.

He decided to then enter the representative arena, and played for Sydney University for a couple of winters before moving to Newcastle.

“My old man got a gig coaching (goalkeepers) with the Newcastle Jets, so I moved up there with him,” he said.

“I was fortunate enough to get a run with the Youth team and even trained with the A-League boys a few times, which was amazing.

“When I was at Hunter Sports High I was picked for the Australian Schoolboys squad, we toured overseas in early 2015.”

After then representing Sydney FC in the National Youth League, Catlin joined Manly in 2015 and the following year was elevated to the first grade squad.

Ever since, opportunities have been scarce for the shot-stopper, but his determination to succeed hasn’t waned.

“I recently spent time over in England with Gillingham, who play in League One,” he said.

“I felt I fit in well over there and the feedback was positive.

“It was just unfortunate they already had two keepers and no reserve league for a third string.

“Ultimately my goal is to be a professional footballer, I want to have no regrets on that journey.”