Toowoomba hockey players named in Queensland development teams

Toowoomba’s fame as a ‘nursery’ for top hockey junior talent is growing with a new generation of stars named in Queensland development squads. We profile the 13 stars on the rise here.

Jackson Smiddy of Past High against Rangeville in J1 boys grand final hockey at Clyde Park, Saturday, September 10, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

HOCKEY: Toowoomba has long been considered as one of Australia’s elite hockey “nurseries”.

Countless juniors first picked up a stick in the Garden City before going on the represent the region, their state and in some cases the nation.

Hockey Queensland recently named their 2023 16-years boys and girls development squads and Toowoomba’s best and brightest players feature heavily once again.

The Chronicle has run the rule over the next group of players ready to take their game to another level.

Under-16 Girls

Tia Beckmann: A level-headed and composed defender who has taken her game to another level in the past 12 months. Beckmann is a commanding presence in the back line and distributes the ball well.

Ella Hagenbach: A highly skilled and dynamic attacker who has speed to burn and is strong on the ball.

Ella Hagenbach shoots for Rangeville against Newtown in J1 girls Toowoomba Hockey Association grand final at Clyde Park, Saturday, September 11, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Emily Hawthorne: The defender’s breakout year has been rewarded with selection in the U16 development squad. Hawthorne, who makes great outlet decisions in defence, has worked hard to develop her game this year and is among the fittest players in any team she lines up in.

Molly Mckewen: The attacking mid has a massive engine and a work rate to match. An end-to-end player who works hard in attack and defence.

Under-16 Boys

Kieran Belanyi: An exciting attacking mid who is strong on the ball and lightning quick. Captured the eye of selectors with a breakout season.

Samuel Bourke: The young defender is calm and strong on the ball. Bourke is knocking on the door of Queensland representative selection after another solid season.

Samuel Bourke for Newtown and Keiran Belanyi for Past High. A2 Men, Toowoomba Hockey grand final. Past High vs Newtown. Saturday, September 10, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Riley Gascoyne: A skilful player with good hands and a high work rate. Can play in the midfield or higher up the field as a frontline attacker.

Kai Hill: The Rangeville talent has taken his game to another level this year. Has a huge work rate and can be relied on to get any job done.

Kai Hill looks to gain possession for Rangeville against Past High in J1 boys Toowoomba Hockey Association grand final at Clyde Park, Saturday, September 11, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Riley Cronk (left) of Past High and Charlie Jensen of Rangeville in J1 boys grand final hockey at Clyde Park, Saturday, September 10, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Charlie Jensen: The centre defender is strong in the tackle and distributes the ball well.

Luke Seibuhr: The young defender is strong on the ball and is a good chance to be named in Queensland’s under-18 team. Captained Queensland’s under-15 team in the national final earlier this year.

Jackson Smiddy: A talented and solid defender who can also be used to great effect up front – picking up handy goals when needed.

Cooper Tummon of Rangeville against Past High in J1 boys grand final hockey at Clyde Park, Saturday, September 10, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Cooper Tummon: A dynamic pocket rocket with great skills, speed and determination.

Lachlan Ziviani: A strong agile keeper who is easily one of the state’s best custodians in the state in his age group.

Lachlan Ziviani, Downlands College bright futures sport series, Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer