Hockeyroos’ European trio back for final FIH Pro League matches

The return of an experienced quartet and key defender, plus the inclusion of a rising Tasmanian talent headline the Hockeyroos squad selected for the FIH Pro League matches against the Netherlands and Belgium in Europe in June.

Hockeyroos Head Coach Katrina Powell announced the 20-player squad for the matches against the world number one ranked Netherlands and sixth ranked Belgians to be played in Eindhoven and Antwerp from 8-20 June.

Powell will welcome back Stephanie Kershaw, Kaitlin Nobbs (pictured above) and Brooke Peris who have been playing club hockey in the Netherlands.

The trio, each who are Olympians and have competed at World Cups and Commonwealth Games, return to the national setup for the first time since the Hockeyroos’ opening Pro League ‘mini tournament’ in February.

“They bring a lot of experience so it will be interesting to see how that mix of experience, youth and relative inexperience moulds together against two of the top European countries,” said Powell.

“We have been in regular contact with Steph, Kaitlin and Brooke while they have been playing in Europe, monitoring their loads and keeping them aligned with what we have been doing.”

Forward Mariah Williams is the other notable experienced player coming into the squad after she missed the recent FIH Pro League series in Christchurch. Williams’ last game was against the USA on 1 March in Hobart.

Central defender Karri Somerville has also been named for her first internationals since last year’s Commonwealth Games. The 24 year old has made a successful recovery from an injury that required surgery.

“We are pleased with Mariah and Karri’s progress in returning to play and are keen to have them on tour with us,” said Powell.

Teenager Maddison Brooks is the one player selected who comes from outside the 2023 Hockeyroos squad of 22 athletes that was announced in February.

Brooks has impressed in her 11 internationals to date and Powell says she deserves her spot for this European Pro League tour.

“There are players like Maddi who have impressed so far this year, taken their opportunities and improved each time we have seen them,” said Powell.

“That improvement piece is critical to making sure we progress as a team, but it also highlights that if you don’t progress and improve, then selection becomes difficult.”

The four Pro League matches will be the Hockeyroos’ last before the crucial Oceania Cup against New Zealand in August, which doubles as qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“Following our time in Europe we will know the best combination for the Oceania Cup, so it’s really important preparation, not just for the team but individuals,” said Powell.
 
“Playing key games against the Netherlands, who are the best in the world, plus an underrated Belgium side, I am keen for athletes to show what they can do while at the same time continuing to develop our way of play.”

Of most immediate priority for Powell and the Hockeyroos is next week’s 3-match test series against India in Adelaide on 18, 20-21 May at MATE Stadium.

Tickets for the matches are on sale now. The series will be broadcast LIVE on FOX Sports and Kayo.

Hockeyroos squad - FIH Pro League 2022-23 Season Eindhoven and Antwerp

FIH Pro League 2022-23 Season Eindhoven and Antwerp - Hockeyroos & Kookaburras Match Schedule
8 June 2023 - Netherlands v Hockeyroos (Women) 7:40pm local time
9 June 2023 - Netherlands v Kookaburras (Men) 7:40pm local time
11 June 2023 - Netherlands v Hockeyroos (Women) 3:10pm local time
12 June 2023 - Netherlands v Kookaburras (Men) 7:40pm local time
16 June 2023 - Belgium v Hockeyroos (Women) 8:40pm local time
17 June 2023 - Belgium v Kookaburras (Men) 4:40pm local time
19 June 2023 - Belgium v Hockeyroos (Women) 8:40pm local time
20 June 2023 - Belgium v Kookaburras (Men) 8:40pm local time

Full FIH Pro League 2022-23 Match Schedule