A Territory Hero Homecoming: Jeremy Hayward leads Kookaburras charge at Darwin’s Oceania Cup

In the blink of an eye, Jeremy Hayward’s career accelerated from the back hockey fields of Darwin to the biggest stage of all, the Olympic Games. 

Born and raised in the Northern Territory, the three-time Olympian and newly named Kookaburras co-captain has carved out a remarkable international hockey career, establishing himself as one of the Kookaburras’ most consistent and commanding figures, as he eyes 250 international appearances for Australia.   

And with the Oceania Cup returning to the Top End this August, locals have a rare opportunity to see Australia’s men’s and women’s national teams, and one of their own, battle for regional dominance on home soil.  

Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Oceania Cup, with the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos set to take on New Zealand in a three-match series, across three match days of double-header action at the MWT Hockey Centre in Darwin, from 4 – 7 September.  

For Hayward, it’s more than just another international fixture. It's a homecoming. 

“Home events in Darwin are few and far between, so to be returning home for the Oceania Cup is just something I would never miss,” Hayward said.  

“Across the ditch, New Zealand and Australia are rivals, of course, but we’re ANZAC mates too."

“I’ve probably played a quarter of my career against New Zealand. We face off often, and it’s always a tough contest; it’s highly skilled and hard-fought. This time, with the heat in Darwin, it’ll be a different kind of challenge, a fast and furious one we’ll need to be ready for.”  

Ahead of the last Oceania Cup in 2023, Jeremy was nominated for the sport’s highest honour, FIH Player of the Year, after a strong showing at the FIH World Cup just months earlier, where he was named Best Defender and the leading scorer, as he helped Australia qualify for the Paris Olympics. 

An Olympic and World Cup silver medallist, Jeremy has earned a reputation as one of world hockey’s most feared penalty corner specialists and a calm, reliable presence in the Kookaburras’ backline. His ability to turn defence into attack and to find the back of the net with power and precision has made him indispensable in the green and gold. 

But Hayward’s story is also one of Territory pride. He’s passionate about giving back to the region that shaped him, often returning to run clinics or connect with the next generation of local players.  

 His journey from Darwin to the Olympic Games stands as a powerful reminder of the Northern Territory’s ability to produce world-class talent. 

“Hockey NT is working incredibly hard to continue to develop our pathways for our juniors in the Territory,” Jeremy added.  

“So having us and the Hockeyroos playing in Darwin, showcasing top-level hockey, will hopefully be an added motivation to all of these juniors coming through, that they’re able to reach their goals. Being able to go home and showcase this is something I’m super proud to do.” 

With the Oceania Cup doubling as a key stepping stone to the 2026 World Cup, the competition promises to be fierce. The trans-Tasman rivalry always brings fire, and with a full-strength Australian team expected to line up, there’s never been a better time for NT sports fans to show their colours. 

“Tickets are on sale, so make sure you come down and get behind us. Even our fans from interstate, this is a great opportunity to experience Darwin. It’s a great place to visit and I have no doubt it will be a great turnout from the locals!” 

Be there when the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos go head-to-head with New Zealand in the 2025 Oceania Cup.  

Don’t miss your chance to see world-class hockey and witness a Territory legend in action, where it all began. 

The 2025 Oceania Cup, organised by the Oceania Hockey Federation, is proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company.  

MWT Hockey Centre, Darwin 

4 – 7 September 

Get your tickets here at Ticketek.  

Travel Packages are available through SportsLink. 

Oceania Cup 2025 Schedule 

*All times are in ACST 

Thursday, 4 September 

6.00pm - Kookaburras v Vantage Black Sticks men 

8.00pm - Hockeyroos v Vantage Black Sticks women 

Saturday, 6 September 

2.00pm - Hockeyroos v Vantage Black Sticks women 

4.00pm - Kookaburras v Vantage Black Sticks men 

Sunday, 7 September 

2.00pm - Hockeyroos v Vantage Black Sticks women  

4.00pm - Kookaburras v Vantage Black Sticks men 

*Gates open one hour before the first match of each day.

All Hockeyroos and Kookaburras matches will be broadcast LIVE and free on 7plus.