Tasmanians set to be named in Kookaburras squad

There will be a strong local flavour in the Kookaburras squad set to take on hockey heavyweights Argentina and Spain later this month. Here’s who is expected to be selected.

The Kookaburras will have a distinctly Tasmanian flavour when the FIH Pro League roadshow arrives in Hobart for a ‘Mini Tournament’ featuring world heavyweights Argentina and Spain from February 28 to March 5.

The Mercury newspaper can exclusively reveal that Australian record-gamers holder Eddie Ockenden will be confirmed by Hockey Australia today to again lead his country on home soil, supported by the selection of fellow Tassie Tigers stars Josh Beltz and Jack Welch.

The star trio are part of a strong Kookaburras side selected for games against world number seven Argentina (February 28 and March 3) and number eight Spain (March 1 and 4).

Further, Beltz’ younger sibling Hayden will also be announced today for his senior debut alongside the trio, when the Pro League heads to India from March 11 – 16, taking Tasmania’s Australian team contingent to a record of four athletes.

In a special interview, Kookaburras coach Colin Batch shared that Ockenden’s quality and motivation is showing no signs of easing as he strives to return the Kookaburras to top of the medal dais for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Eddie Ockenden is set to lead the Kookaburras again. Photo: Mark Brake/Getty Images for Hockey Australia.

“Eddie’s quality, particularly when needed in big games and tournaments, has always been there and he is as motivated and enthusiastic about performing in this series and through to Paris as what I’ve ever seen him,” Batch said.

“As you come to the end of your career, you can find that youthfulness and energy and I think that’s where Eddie is.”

“Josh has been doing alright, despite not having as good a World Cup as he’d have liked, but there are many facets to his game and we want to work with him going forward.”

“Jack has been showing us what he’s capable of. He’s added a lot to his game, and I feel that he’s set to make a real impact after going to the World Cup as a travelling reserve at one stage.”

“After the result at the World Cup, not to scare anyone, but we were disappointed with the result and all the selections are open again, so people have to perform.”

Jeremy Edwards. Picture: Chris Kidd

That had opened the door for Hayden Beltz to earn a call up to the following Pro League matches in India, after eighteen months training as part of the National Development squad in Perth.

“Hayden has some really good hallmarks in that he trains really hard and wants to learn,” Batch added.

“He can provide us with an opportunity on the outside building up the game and coming forward with the ball.”

The Pro League Mini Tournament will also feature the Hockeyroos, featuring Tasmanian debutant Maddi Brooks, and opposition from Argentina and USA as part of twelve blockbuster matches over six days at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre.

Tickets for the Pro League matches are available at ticketek.com.au.