The Hockeyroos will take on the inaugural FIH Pro League this weekend, and they’ll do so with some added punch.
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Parkes gun Mariah Williams makes her return to senior international competition following firstly a long lay-off with injury before making her way back through Hockey Australia’s under 23s system.
Williams is joined by Georgia Wilson as the returning faces for a Hockeyroos side that will take on the Netherlands and Belgium at Melbourne’s State Netball and Hockey Centre.
Williams’ last international cap was in April 2017. She was included in the Hockey Australia national senior women’s squad in December, paving the way for her return.
Starting Saturday, Australia will play their first matches in the world-first FIH Pro League which pits the world’s best nations against each other on a weekly home-and-away basis.
The world number three Hockeyroos will take on the world number one Dutch, who won the World Cup and Champions Trophy in 2018, and 13th-ranked Belgium.
“It’s fantastic for Georgia and Mariah,” Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said.
“They’ve had long-term injuries, Georgia with her ACL and Mariah with her groin. They’ve put in a lot of hard work so it’s pleasing we’ve been able to select them for the games in Melbourne.”
Saturday’s match against the Netherlands begins 5pm while Sunday’s matches against Belgium is also a 5pm kick-off.
The Kookaburras play the same opponents, starting at 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Orange star Edwina Bone has also been included in the Hockeyroos’ Pro League side.
- HOCKEYROOS: Kristina Bates, Edwina Bone, Lily Brazel, Emily Chalker, Jane Claxton, Madison Fitzpatrick, Savannah Fitzpatrick, Jodie Kenny, Rachael Lynch, Ambrosia Malone, Hayley Padget, Brooke Peris, Grace Stewart, Sophie Taylor, Ashlee Wells, Mariah Williams, Georgia Wilson.
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
