Squad Announcement! Experience bolsters Kooka’s title defence pursuit

Kookaburras coach Mark Hager has named his most experienced squad yet, boasting a powerful mix of Olympians and proven fresh talent, for the side’s FIH Pro League title defence in Europe and the UK.

Check out the full FIH Pro League Schedule

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Hager’s retained all but one of the new and exciting Kookaburras who helped the men’s national side to valiant wins over Olympic champions the Netherlands and world number two Belgium in February, combined with the return of star players from injury and stints playing overseas.

“The biggest bonus for us is having the full squad together again, with the exception of a few who were unavailable for selection due to injury,” Mark Hager said.

“It’s the first tour since I’ve been at the helm where we have the luxury of a near full squad. We’ve had players in the India Hockey League, playing in Europe or being managed through injury, so to have a high percentage of the squad in Europe is a big plus.

“This is a great group, with plenty of speed, particularly through the midfield, along with a lot of experience, but we know we need to hit the ground running when we

arrive in Belgium. We have four days to come together to ensure we gel on the pitch from game one.”

The Kookaburras will gain a major boost with the return of 416 caps worth of experience when prolific goal scorers Blake Govers, Tom Craig, and midfield maestro Lachlan Sharp return to international competition.

Tom Craig returns to the side for the first time in ten months, having served his suspension and met conduct and behavioural requirements.

“It’s fantastic to have the experience of Blake, Tom and Lachie back in our side for this tour. Blake with his goalscoring capabilities, combined with Tom, who brings speed to our front line, and Lachie’s versatility through the middle,” Mark added.

In a remarkable story of perseverance and resilience, the Kookaburras are set to unleash an incredible talent in Joel Rintala.

The Townsville striker, who has scored four goals in six matches, will make his long-awaited return following a storied career, which has seen injury deny him time in green and gold since his debut in April 2023.

“I’m so keen to get to Europe and have a good crack. It’s been over a year and a bit now since I’ve pulled the shirt on, and it’s certainly been a long journey, with a lot of injuries,” Joel said.

“I feel like I’ve been watching training for a long time now! It’s been frustrating, but I do it because I just love playing hockey.

“There’s a lot of energy around this squad, it’s fun out there on the pitch with them, and I can’t wait to get into it.”

“It’s great to have Joel back and firing, he’s developed well over the last couple of months. He brings a superior drag-flicking aspect and goal-scoring ability to our team, along with his work ethic on and off the ball,” Mark said.

Tassie brothers Josh and Hayden Beltz will link up for the first time since the Kookaburras’ 2024 tour of Europe. Josh joins WA’s Tom Harvie in returning from injury after being forced to miss the tour to Argentina in February.

“It does feel different now that I’m in the Kookaburras squad. I’ve definitely felt an urge over the last few months to get back to full fitness because you want to play for your country,” Tom admitted.

“It’s unfortunate that [my brother] Jake won’t be on tour. He’s trying to rehab his own injury.

“He's been there throughout my whole journey, and he probably pushed his injury a little bit just to play alongside me in Sydney. So, it will be really tough not to have him there, but we both know he'll be back and we can play together again soon.”

The Kookaburras begin their tour in Antwerp, Belgium, with matches against India and Ireland.

They then take on England in London and end the season against powerhouse Germany in Berlin.

Jake Harvie, Corey Weyer and Cam Geddes were unavailable for selection due to injury.

Kookaburras FIH Pro League UK/Europe Tour Schedule
Antwerp, Belgium
Saturday, June 14 – 6.30pm AEST / 4.30pm AWST – Kookaburras v India
Sunday, June 15 – 6.30pm AEST / 4.30pm AWST – India v Kookaburras
Tuesday, June 17 – 11.30pm AEST / 9.30pm AWST – Kookaburras v Ireland
Wednesday, June 18 – 11.30pm AEST / 9.30pm AWST – Ireland v Kookaburras

London, England
Sunday, June 22 – 12.30am AEST / 10.30pm AWST (Sat June 21) – England v
Kookaburras
Sunday, June 22 – 11.30pm AEST / 9.30pm AWST - England v Kookaburras

Berlin, Germany
Wednesday, June 25 – 3.30am AEST / 1.30am AWST – Germany v Kookaburras
Thursday, June 26 - 3.30am AEST / 1.30am AWST – Germany v Kookaburras