Squad Announcement: Hockeyroos unleash star studded lineup for World Cup Qualification showdown

The Hockeyroos are primed for their 2026 FIH World Cup qualification showdown at the Oceania Cup in Darwin, unveiling a formidable lineup to take on New Zealand in a best-of-three Test Series. 

Head Coach Katrina Powell has selected her best 18 players, as they prepare to repeat history when international hockey returns to the Top End.

“We’ve been incredibly pleased with our squad this year, especially given we’re only in year one of the Olympic cycle,” Katrina said

“Some of our newest squad members really pushed for this big occasion opportunity, and it made it really tough. But in the end, we’ve picked the best combination to get it done.” 

Playing in Darwin for the first time in eight years, the Hockeyroos will re-ignite a long-standing rivalry when they face the Vantage Black Sticks women for the first time since qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games at the 2023 Oceania Cup in Whangārei, New Zealand.

It’s all on the line for both sides as the New Zealand Black Sticks enter as FIH Nations Cup champions, while the Hockeyroos lineup is loaded with experience, having recently played against the world’s best in the 2024/25 FIH Pro League.

“We’ve got tremendous depth right across the park, from a solid defensive unit through to a dynamic midfield, but it’s our striker line that I’m especially excited about. It’s going to make for aggressive attacking hockey against New Zealand,” Katrina added. 

One of them is the equal top goal scorer of the year, WA striker Courtney Schonell, who is readying to unleash on New Zealand, two years after scoring the match-winner in the decider of the 2023 Oceania Cup, and securing the Hockeyroos Olympic qualification. 

“Courtney loves playing in the big games and big moments. Find me a striker that doesn't like that stuff. She was outstanding at the last Oceania Cup, and these big moments are her bread and butter,” Katrina said. 

Shortly after her heroics in New Zealand, a devastating ACL injury cut Courtney’s 2024 Olympic dream short, forcing her to miss the 2024 season before making a remarkable return to international competition this year. 

“I’m just fortunate to be back playing. It’s certainly been a hard ride coming back from that ACL injury last year, and I don’t take these opportunities to play for Australia for granted. I'm playing my best hockey at the moment, and I’m just happy being out there,” Courtney said.

“The Hockeyroos are about to hit their straps. It’s been a long time coming. We’ve had a few girls in and out with injury this year, and we started the year with a few away at the India Hockey League. 

“I think it’s the first time we’ve been able to put a big group out on the park, which is great timing considering the Oceania Cup is the main event on our checklist this year, and I’m excited to see what we’re capable of.” 

Adding firepower to the frontline is NSW forward Abby Wilson, who returns after being forced to miss the FIH Pro League Europe tour due to a six-month layoff with injury. 

“It feels like it’s been a long time coming and a big build-up to this moment!” Abby exclaimed.

“Having to miss out on the tour to Europe gave me time to reflect and work on my own and really nail the little one percenters, so now I’m ready and raring to go.

“We do a lot of work behind the scenes for these big occasions, working on our mindset and working really hard to centre ourselves and get those distractions out of the way so we can really focus on the job at hand when we step out on that field.

“Spectators are going to be in for some really fast attacking hockey from both sides. New Zealand love a fast counterattack, as do we. It’s going to be very fast and good fun in Darwin.”

“New Zealand make the most of their attacking opportunities. They're also quite fast and fearless, and their coach has spent time in Australia coaching as well,” Courtney added.

“They know our way of play, they know what we're like, but we’ve prepared really well and we’ll go in with everything we know and make the most of it.”

The Hockeyroos start their campaign for World Cup Qualification next Thursday at 8pm ACST at MWT Hockey Centre in Darwin.

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

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

Hockeyroos 2025 Oceania Cup Schedule
MWT Hockey Centre, Marrara, Darwin

Thursday, 4 September – 8.00pm ACST / 8.30pm AEST / 6.00pm AWST
Hockeyroos v Vantage Black Sticks Women

Saturday, 6 September – 2.00pm ACST / 2.30pm AEST / 12.00pm AWST
Hockeyroos v Vantage Black Sticks Women

Sunday, 7 September – 2.00pm ACST / 2.30pm AEST / 12.00pm AWST
Hockeyroos v Vantage Black Sticks Women

Jocelyn Bartram was unavailable for selection due to injury.