Most Macquarie University students will be waking up during the month of June and thinking about their exams, assignments, and how they’re going to spend their mid-year breaks.
But not Macquarie Business School accounting student Lachlan Bayliss.
Instead, Bayliss will be halfway across the world studying gameplans on how to beat the world’s best footballers.
Bayliss, a 23-year-old midfielder for the Newcastle Jets in the A-League, is about to embark on the experience of a lifetime as he laces up the football boots and represents New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
The All Whites will travel to the US for friendlies against Haiti and England before they kick-off their group stage against Iran on June 16 (AEST).
Lachlan Bayliss in action for the All Whites. Picture: Instagram/@lachlan.bayliss
“Going to a World Cup is a dream come true,” says Bayliss. “It’s the pinnacle of football and sport. I’m just really grateful and trying to soak it all in.”
Journey to the World Cup
Bayliss was born in Darwin and moved to the Central Coast as a teen, where he joined the Mariners’ set-up as a 16-year-old.
But his heart was across the ditch thanks to the teaching of his late father Andrew, a football fan who was born and raised in New Zealand.
“My dad was a huge fan and passed that passion on to me and my brother,” Bayliss says.
“There was always a strong Kiwi influence in the house – supporting the All Blacks, Wellington Phoenix and those sorts of teams. Whenever we visited Wellington, we’d go watch Phoenix games.”
After signing with the Newcastle Jets in 2023, Bayliss made his professional football debut in the Australia Cup and the A-League soon after. In 2024, he had his first taste of international football after being picked for the New Zealand U23s at the Paris Olympics.
“It really started with being selected for the Olympics, which was one of the best experiences of my life,” he says. “Then I made my senior debut during the international friendlies in Auckland, which was a huge honour.
“My favourite football memory would probably be playing France in Paris. There were about 60,000 people there and the atmosphere was unreal. It was my first real taste of playing against world-class opposition.”
Bayliss has become an important part of the Newcastle Jets team in the A-League. Picture: Supplied
All right at the All Whites
Bayliss is one of the youngest and least experienced players in the New Zealand squad who will face Iran (ranked 20th in the world), Egypt (ranked 34th in the world) and Belgium (ranked 8th in the world) in their group stage.
It’s New Zealand’s first World Cup appearance since 2010 and they are 86th in FIFA’s world rankings, adding some extra pressure to their performances.
“It’s a tough group and the other teams are ranked much higher than us, but football is unpredictable,” Bayliss says. “Anyone can beat anyone on their day.
“We’ve watched a lot of footage from previous World Cups, and players from the 1982 and 2010 New Zealand teams came in to speak to us. Hearing their stories was really special.
“It’s a very easygoing group. (Captain) Chris Wood is obviously the standout player. He’s probably the best player New Zealand has produced. I’m looking forward to learning from him.”
As far as his opposition goes, playing in front of packed-out stadiums across the US and Canada against some of the world’s greatest players won’t overawe him – particularly with his mum and brother in the stands.
“I’m excited to play against top-level opposition,” he says. “Personally, the Belgium game stands out because of Kevin De Bruyne. Even as a Manchester United fan, it’s hard not to admire him. He’s probably my favourite player these days.
“At the end of the day, those players are still human beings. They’re incredibly talented, but once you’re on the field it’s still 11 versus 11. You just have to back yourself.”
Bayliss’ mum and brother James travelled to the Paris Olympics and will also be supporting him at the World Cup. Picture: Instagram/@lachlan.bayliss
A balancing act
Bayliss is three subjects away from finishing his accounting degree, which he undertakes mostly remotely at home in Newcastle between training and playing for the Jets.
It has been a slow and steady learning journey, but he knows having his education to fall back on post-career is the best move for his future.
“I enjoy having that balance away from football,” he says. “Study helps me switch off mentally, although exams can be difficult around training and games.
“The university has been supportive. They’ve done a good job helping me balance everything.
“I definitely want to play in Europe one day and I’m aiming to make that happen in the next few years. But I also think it’s important to have something to fall back on. Football careers can change quickly.
“Hopefully I’ve still got another 10 years in football, but eventually I’d like to use my degree as well.”
You can watch Lachlan play for the All Whites at the World Cup live at UBar.
16 June @ 11am: Iran vs New Zealand
22 June @ 11am: New Zealand vs Egypt
27 June @ 1pm: New Zealand vs Belgium