The teenager has had limited game time - just 21 minutes in two games - with Phoenix head coach Ufuk Talay opting to start more experienced strikers Tomer Hemed and David Ball.

But with the pair unavailable for Sunday's clash with the Western Sydney Wanderers due to injury and suspension, the door has opened for Waine to push his claim for a position.

The 19-year-old isn't getting too far ahead of himself, but told the Mercury he would be ready to start if called upon.

"I've just been going on about my business as usual, trying to train as hard as I can and put my hand up for a chance to play and see what happens," he said.

"There could be some chances coming, you just never know. You've just got to be ready for when that might happen."

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The Phoenix's journey to Wollongong has been a steep learning curve for Waine.

The Wellington native is experiencing his first time away from living at home - in a different country - sharing an apartment with Phoenix teammate Sam Sutton.

"It's a new challenge, but Sam and I are doing it together," Waine said.

"I think I've grown as a person [since arriving in Wollongong], from doing the laundry myself and all of that for the first time, to looking after yourself in general.

''But it definitely needed to happen some time soon, so I'm taking it as a good thing."

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If Waine does get a run against the Wanderers, he hopes to see a vocal crowd at WIN Stadium.

The young gun admits that he misses playing in front of a Wellington home crowd, but said the club was getting good support in Wollongong.

"If I'm honest, it's been a bit tough not being in front of the Yellow Fever (supporter base) and family,'' Waine said.

''It means the world to me to play for my home city of Wellington.

"But I think the people of Wollongong have really got behind us, there's a lot more fans coming to games now than the first couple.''