Kookaburras open Oceania Cup with 2-0 victory

The Kookaburras opened their Oceania Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2–0 win over New Zealand in Darwin, in a match that marked a double celebration — Jeremy Hayward’s homecoming as co-captain, and Lachie Sharp’s long-awaited return to international hockey.

The Oceania Cup is live and free on 7plus. Tickets are available from Ticketek - kids 12 and under get in free. The first 150 people through the gates will receive a free goodie bag thanks to Hockey Australia partners. The event program is available here.

Sharp, playing his first match in 396 days and his first under new head coach Mark Hager, delivered a dream return. He struck in the fifth minute with a surging solo run and deft slap over Dom Dixon, before later turning provider for Nathan Ephraums’ second. Beyond the scoreboard, Sharp’s performance brought valuable experience and midfield drive to the new-look national men's team.

Australia began strongly, immediately taking the upper hand with aggressive intent and quick ball movement. New Zealand gradually worked themselves into the contest, settling into a well-organised zonal defensive structure that limited clear-cut chances for long periods. Even so, the Kookaburras’ persistence paid off — Sharp’s early strike and Ephraums’ late finish proving decisive.

Ephraums’ goal in the 54th minute maintained his imposing record of haunting the New Zealanders, taking his tally to 11 goals in just 16 contests against the Trans-Tasman rivals. The result gives Australia the early series lead ahead of Saturday’s second Test.

Sharp’s impact was recognised with the Just Hockey Player of the Match award — a fitting accolade for a player whose pace, composure and directness perfectly matched the attacking identity Hager has instilled since taking charge last year.

“It was an amazing feeling (to be back out there). There was a lot of build-up and it was a long time. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time,” Sharp said post-match.

“The Black Sticks played really well. They’re a younger group and brought a lot of energy. We always want to play forward, play fast and maybe we need to tinker with that a bit so they’re not getting as many steals and launching counter attacks.”

Sharp admitted he had learned a lot about himself while away from the international stage, whilst preparing his body to be cherry-ripe to perform from the outset of his return.

“The boys were just saying in the changerooms (after the match) that there were shades of Adelaide when I was out for a while, came back and scored with my first touch,” Sharp said.

“But I love the game so that’s what always brings me back. I’ve learned a lot of resilience over the years so that’s put me in good stead to be back out there tonight, and I love playing for the Kookaburras, love playing for Australia, so overall a whole lot of love.”

Sharp’s Triumphant Return

After over a year out, Sharp’s comeback could hardly have been scripted better — a goal, an assist, and a commanding midfield presence. His ability to break lines and create scoring opportunities was a reminder of his quality, and with the retirements of Eddie Ockenden, Flynn Ogilvie, Jake Whetton and Aran Zalewski, it was a timely statement. The performance reassured fans that Sharp will have a massive role to play in leading the Australian engine room into next year’s World Cup and on the path to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Aggressive intent

The Kookaburras started with blistering attacking intent, pressing high and forcing turnovers to pin the Black Sticks deep. This approach reflects Hager’s stated philosophy when appointed — to refresh and reset the program, blend experienced leaders with emerging talent, and play a proactive, high-tempo style designed to dominate possession and create sustained pressure. While the defensive intensity dipped in the hot and humid conditions, the blueprint was clear, and the Aussies responded late to put the game to bed with Ephraums’ decisive strike.

Midfield Structure

Under Hager, Australia have reverted to a classic midfield set-up — a centre half flanked by two inside forwards. This shape created pockets of space to progress the ball and allowed for smoother transitions from defence to attack. Cambell Geddes’ move inside from the flank added pace and directness, while Tom Craig’s return to a midfield role brought his trademark ability to break lines through the heart of New Zealand’s zonal press, opening up attacking lanes and forcing defensive adjustments from the visitors.

The Kookaburras next Oceania Cup match takes place this Saturday 6th September at 6.00pm ACST. See the full schedule below.

All Kookaburras and Hockeyroos matches can be watched live and free on 7Plus.

See the Hockeyroos 2025 Oceania Cup Squad here.

See the Kookaburras 2025 Oceania Cup Squad here.

For more information about the 2025 Oceania Cup in Darwin, visit the Hockey Australia website here.

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

Oceania Cup 2025 Match Schedule

MWT Hockey Centre, Marrara, Darwin