Livestream Australian U18 hockey championships: NSW players to watch

Hockey livestream countdown: Stars in the waiting and best NSW players to watch at the U18 Australian hockey championships in Launceston.

NSW hockey player Kendelle Tait is one of the yung guns competing at the championships.

The best young hockey talent in the country is on display from this week at the Australian Under 18s boys and girls championships in Launceston with NSW hockey teams contenders for medals in both events.

An agreement between Hockey Australia and News Corp will see matches from the tournament in Launceston from April 8-16 and the U15s competition in Bathurst from April 9-15 shown on News Corp’s various mastheads, including The Daily Telegraph.

With NSW Pathway Manager Richard Willis, we take a look at some of the players expected to be turning heads during the competition for hockey’s rising stars and potential Hockeyroos and Kookaburras.

WATCH THE U15 DAY 2 LIVESTREAM HERE

WATCH THE U15 DAY ONE LIVESTREAM REPLAY

WATCH THE U18 DAY THREE LIVESTREAM HERE

NSW under 18 hockey player Sam Wright-Smith ahead of the nationals in Launceston.

NSW HOCKEY’S MEDAL BID AT AUSTRALIAN U18 CHAMPIONSHIPS

NSW Pathway Manager Richard Willis has high hopes for NSW teams at the championships in Tasmania.

“The last time the championships were on the boys won a bronze and the girls won a bronze,” Willis said.

“We need to improve. We are looking to play in the finals of both groups.

“We have good experience, good coaching and leadership and we are well prepared. But no one really knows where everyone sits.”

NSW UNDER 18 STATE TEAMS ANNOUNCEMENT

Congratulations to all the athletes selected in our Under 18 State & Blues teams that will head to the Under 18 Australian National Championships in Launceston during April.

TEAMS: https://t.co/CP6hJFlaOkpic.twitter.com/oXeLGFFe9L

— Hockey NSW (@Hockey_NSW) February 16, 2021

NSW HOCKEY UNDER 18 GIRLS TO WATCH AT NATIONALS 2021

Kendelle Tait: From North West Sydney. This Sydney Uni player is a very strong distributor in the midfield. This is her third year in the under 18s. She is a tenacious tackler and strong on the ball. Attended an Australian under 21 camp recently.

NSW hockey player Kendelle Tait on the burst.

Alana Kavanagh: From North West Sydney. This teenager is an athletic defender who carries the ball forward into attack well. A Northern District hockey club member, she is just back from the Australian juniors camp in Canberra.

NSW hockey player Chelsea Holmes is a young gun expecetd to turn heads..

Chelsea Holmes: From Sydney South which covers the Sutherland Shite and St George regions. Holmes is an attacking midfielder who creates lots of goal scoring opportunities.

NSW hockey player Makayla Jones will be a key player for NSW.

Makayla Jones: This youngster hails from Goulburn. A midfielder who has great elimination speed and shot on goal.

NSW under 18 hockey players at a training session in Sydney before the nationals.

NSW HOCKEY UNDER 18 BOYS TO WATCH AT NATIONALS 2021

Rhys Cropper: Hails from Grafton and has been playing the game for years. A speedy midfield with excellent receiving and distribution skills. This will be the North Coast gun’s third year in the side.

Sam Wright-Smith: Plays his hockey with Illawarra South Coast and hails from Culburra. A good tackler, distributer and defender. This is his third year in the under 18s and he is the leader of the group with great awareness and a “hockey brain”.

Sam Wright-Smith is one of the top players in NSW.

Koby Johnstone: This teen hails from Parkes but recently moved to the Ryde Hunters Hill Hockey club. A tall defender with excellent overhead skills and long passing range.

Toby Mallon: From Sydney East Hockey Association. The youngest in the group at just 16. He plays a pivotal role and has excellent receiving skills under pressure.

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