Four WA Hockey Talents Picked for Sultan of Johor Cup

Four Western Australian hockey talents have earned selection
for the 2019 Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia.

 

The tournament marks one of the most important
development opportunities on the international calendar for the Australian men’s
U21 team – known as the Burras.

 

Australia holds a proud tradition in the tournament
having won back to back titles in 2016 and 2017.

 

In 2019, their tilt for success will include four Western
Australian members, with James Collins, Dane Gavranich, Tom
Harvie and Christian Starkie all earning representative honours in
the Burras’ 18-strong quad.

 

It marks a special month for the quartet, after each of
the four were last week named in Australia’s National Junior Development Squad
which identifies the country’s most likely cohort of future potential senior
internationals.

 

The Sultan of Johor Cup will take place in Malaysia in
October, with Australia set for matches with; Japan, Malaysia, Great Britain,
India and New Zealand with play-offs featuring from October 19.

 

Burras coach Ben Bishop said the team’s objective would
be on playing good hockey and learning from the experience.

 

“This year will be particularly exciting as we have 14
athletes who have been selected to tour Johor for the first time,” said Bishop.

 

“As always the competition will be strong from the other
nations and we look forward to building on our history of results at the
event.”

 

“It is an extremely valuable tournament that we are lucky
to be able to attend each year.

 

“The competition, conditions and international travel
opportunity all provide for a fantastic development experience for our emerging
athletes.”