Jeremy Hayward earns third highest contract at IHL auction

Australian hockey stalwart and the NT’s best male player has earnt a monster pay check in the world’s top league.

Jeremy Hayward in action during the gold medal match game between Australia and Belgium at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Picture: Adam Head

Two time Olympian and Waratah junior Jeremy Hayward is one of the most in demand players in the world.

The Kookaburra earnt a handy pay check on day one of the newly reformed India Hockey League (IHL), bought by the Punjab-based Soorma Hockey Club.

The world-class defender was purchased for 42 lakhs (AUD $74,116), the third highest payday among players taken in the auction.

Fresh off a disappointing Olympic campaign with the national side, Hayward was one of 12 Kookaburras taken in the auction and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“It was a nice little surprise yesterday,” Hayward told Hockey Australia.

“These auctions can sometimes be down to a bit of luck and to be drawn on the first day definitely helps.

“I love playing in India and I’m excited to meet my new team and play in the Hockey India League for Soorma Hockey Club.”

The defender is also excited to finally play in the same colours as captain of India’s national side, Harmanpreet Singh.

Singh became the league’s highest ever signing at 78 lakhs (AUD $137,575), and will partner Hayward at the back in what is slated to be the best defensive duo in the competition.

“I’m over the moon to finally be on the same side as Harmanpreet,” Hayward said.

“He has been such an important player for India for many years and now I can learn off him and play alongside the Indian captain.”

The IHL will run for five weeks from December 28 to February 1 and will feature 150 international players alongside 400 domestic players from around India.