Rejuvenated Hockeyroos and Kookaburras tackle World Cup with fresh perspectives
The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos' last major tournament was Paris 2024 where they exited in the quarter-finals. They have both experienced significant change since then, and are determined to start their new eras with success at the World Cup.
The FIH Hockey World Cup is taking place in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30. The Hockeyroos, Australia's women's team, are ranked eighth, while the Kookaburras, the men's team, are fourth. The Kookaburras' midfielder Liam Henderson, a 22-year-old, is brimming with confidence, stating they believe they can win the World Cup.
The Kookaburras won their last World Cup in 2014, while the Hockeyroos last won gold at the 2000 Olympics. The Kookaburras have a new coach, Mark Hager, and recent victories against top-ranked teams, including Belgium and the Netherlands, have bolstered Henderson's confidence. The Hockeyroos, led by co-captain Kaitlin Nobbs, are coming off an uncharacteristic quarter-final exit from the 2024 Olympics.
The Kookaburras' last major tournament was also a quarter-final exit from the 2024 Olympics, but they have been regenerating and maintaining their position as a top team. Henderson and Nobbs are part of other successful Australian hockey leagues, hoping to see their continued growth.
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