Perth to Host Hockeyroos and Kookaburras Fixtures

The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras, Australia’s iconic hockey teams, are back in action on home turf for the first time in 2013 as they prepare to face Korea later this month at the Perth Hockey Stadium, WA.

Running from 24th April until 9th May, the two four-match series will form a key phase of the teams’ preparations for this winter’s FIH World League competitions in England and the Netherlands.

For Adam Commens’ Hockeyroos the Korean series represents a stern test for his ever improving squad. Ranked eighth in the world, just two places behind Australia, Korea are also preparing for the World League tournament, which will act as the qualifying event for the 2014 World Cup.

“Korea will pose a difficult challenge for us,” admitted Commens. “We’ll be looking to get positive results on the pitch but with the World League in mind we’ll be experimenting a little along the way. At this time in the cycle we put a lot of emphasis on processes. If they go well then the rest will follow.”

For the Kookaburras, the contest comes off the back of a successful Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia last month at which the team scooped a record seventh title. But with the World League on the horizon the focus is very much on looking forward.

“Korea always provides us with tough opposition,” said coach Ric Charlesworth. “They’re a strong team and interesting in that they’re an Asian team that plays like a European one. They’re physically strong and will give us a good test, which is really important ahead of World League round three.”

Speaking about the Kookaburras squad likely to face Korea, Charlesworth explained that the series will provide an opportunity for new faces to establish themselves. “We’ll use the series to experiment a little and look at some newer players,” said the five time Olympian. “Some of the Europe-based players may be available to us but we’ll need to wait and see.”

Watch every match between Australia and Korea live streamed via the Hockey Australia website at www.hockey.org.auand join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #AUSvKOR.

Australia v Korea Series Fixtures

Hockeyroos v Korea, 24-28 April, Perth Hockey Stadium

Hockeyroos v Korea – Wednesday 24th April 2013 – 5:30pm WST

Hockeyroos v Korea – Thursday 25th April 2013 – 5:30pm WST

Hockeyroos v Korea – Saturday 27th April 2013 – 2:00pm WST

Hockeyroos v Korea – Sunday 28th April 2013 – 2:00pm WST

Kookaburras, 3-9 May, Perth Hockey Stadium

Kookaburras v Korea – Friday 3rd May 2013 – 7:00pm WST

Kookaburras v Korea – Sunday 5th May 2013 – 4:00pm WST

Kookaburras v Korea – Tuesday 7th May 2013 – 5:30pm WST

Kookaburras v Korea – Thursday 9th May 2013 – 5:30pm WST

– Hockey Australia