Jeremy Hayward named Kookaburras co-captain ahead of Oceania Cup

A Territorian who’s risen from the back hockey fields in Darwin to one of the Kookaburra’s most consistent figures will lead the country in his upcoming Oceania Games homecoming.

Jeremy Hayward of Australia. Picture: WorldSportPics/Frank Uijlenbroek

A Territorian who has risen from the back hockey fields in Darwin to one of the Kookaburras’ most consistent figures will lead the country in his upcoming Oceania Games homecoming.

The three-time Olympian is eyeing 250 appearances for Australia following his announcement as the Kookaburras co-captain.

And he will make a return to the Top End this year for the national side in the Oceania Cup to be played this August against the Blacksticks.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Oceania Cup, with the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos set to take on New Zealand in a three-match series at the MWT Hockey Centre from September 4-7.

“Home events in Darwin are few and far between, so to be returning home for the Oceania Cup is just something I would never miss,” Hayward said.

“Across the ditch, New Zealand and Australia are rivals, of course, but we’re ANZAC mates too.

“I’ve probably played a quarter of my career against New Zealand. We face off often, and it’s always a tough contest; it’s highly skilled and hard-fought.

Jeremy Hayward celebrates after scoring goal for Australia. Picture: WorldSportPics/Frank Uijlenbroek

“This time, with the heat in Darwin, it’ll be a different kind of challenge, a fast and furious one we’ll need to be ready for.”

Hayward was named the FIH Player of the Year in 2023 following his performance in the FIH World Cup where he was named Best Defender and became the leading scorer.

Jeremy has earned a reputation as one of world hockey’s most feared penalty corner specialists and a calm, reliable presence in the Kookaburras’ backline.

But he’s also passionate about giving back to the NT, often returning to run clinics, play for the Stingers or connect with the next generation of local players.

“Hockey NT is working incredibly hard to continue to develop our pathways for our juniors in the Territory,” Jeremy added.

“So having us and the Hockeyroos playing in Darwin, showcasing top-level hockey, will hopefully be an added motivation to all of these juniors coming through, that they’re able to reach their goals.”

Meanwhile, his brother Leon Hayward has declared his intention of returning to Darwin for the Oceania Cup as well whether for the Blacksticks or the Territory Stingers.

“Playing for New Zealand in the Oceania Cup, especially in Darwin, would be incredibly meaningful. But if that’s not possible, pulling on the Territory colours again is just as special to me,” Leon Hayward said.

“This is home.”

Get your tickets at Ticketek while Travel Packages are available through SportsLink.

Originally published as Jeremy Hayward named Kookaburras co-captain ahead of Oceania Cup