When did that happen? It seems like only yesterday the 25 year old was a lanky teenager who looked like he needed a second helping of the Sunday roast.
He was part of a talented group who emerged from Otago Boys' High School late last decade, along with Black Sticks striker Hugo Inglis and development squad member Nick Ross.
The trio have played a lot of hockey together over the years and form a strong core for Southern Dogs this season. That side features another former OBHS pupil, Kane Russell.
They are all expected to be in action during Southern's match against North Harbour in Dunedin on Sunday.
''North Harbour is a really strong team this year and if we are not switched on in defence they will punish us,'' Tarrant said.
''I think it will probably be one of our toughest games but I'm confident we can win the game. But they are a good side.''
Tarrant, who made his debut for the Black Sticks in 2010, lives in Auckland these days in the trendy suburb of Takapuna. But while you can lead a man to the North Shore, you cannot make him drink the soy latte.
He is a proud Southerner and enjoys returning to play for the Dogs.
''Yeah, mate. I love it. We all love it. We just need to get a win, I think.''
His desperation is perhaps a little premature. Southern suffered a loss to Canterbury in its season opener in Christchurch last weekend.
The game was tied 2-2 at fulltime and the home side eventually won the shoot out 5-4 in sudden death.
At one stage, Southern got ahead in the shoot out and was perhaps unlucky not to score a third goal in regulation time, when the team was running hot during the third quarter.
It was a heartening performance from the Dogs, who had only come together as a team the night before. Canterbury, on the other hand, went to Australia for its preseason and was better prepared.
''It is always a bit tougher for us because we have quite a few guys based up here and we don't get to train together as a full team. We had eight guys I had not played with before who were all pretty impressive in the weekend, so that was a good sign,'' Tarrant said.
The Dogs have lost the services of experienced defender James Nation and goalie Hamish McGregor this season, which leaves Tarrant and Russell as the key players at the back.
''James Nation has probably been our most consistent player for the last few seasons, so it is always going to be tough filling in a gap for a player of that calibre.''
While Southern might be a little weaker defensively this year, the attack perhaps has more punch.
''I did like what I saw from the team up front. We have some young guys up there but there was a good skill set and that is a positive sign. And we've got Hugo up there, obviously.''
Tarrant had a professional stint in Germany last season, playing for a club side in Berlin, but otherwise he has to work to help pay the bills.
He has an administration job which he does three days a week and he is also studying international business extramurally through Massey University.
