Call-up sees Kershaw facing world’s finest

NORTH Queensland junior Steph Kershaw has been named in the Hockeyroos squad of 18 that will contest the World League semi-final in Brussels, Belgium, from June 21-July 2.

Kershaw and her team will be looking to finish in the top three at the tournament which will ensure a berth in the World Cup and the World League finals.

The Hockeyroos will face reigning World Cup champions Holland along with other powerhouses New Zealand, Spain, Belgium, Korea and China.

After missing most of last year with a serious knee injury, Kershaw will look to impress new head coach Paul Gaudoin.

Gaudoin enjoyed a solid start to his reign with the Hockeyroos with a third-place finish in the Hawkes Bay Cup earlier this year.

“The team we have taking part in the World League semishould final sees the return of some senior players who have been out of the squad so far this year due to injury,” he said after announcing the World League squad yesterday.

“Their return will add some depth to our defensive line, and along with the debut of Georgia Wilson we should see some interesting new dynamics within the team.

“We’ll be looking to implement some of the learnings we made from the Hawke’s Bay Cup in New Zealand earlier this year, and having a couple of practice matches in Holland prior to the semi-final ready.” Steph’s story is amazing! It was only a few years ago she was wearing the dark blue and gold of Townsville and playing against our Cairns teams in the Hawthorn Shield.

Just last weekend, I witnessed some fantastic young talent on display at the latest Hawthorn Carnival and I’m hoping some of these emerging athletes from the Far North will use Steph’s story as inspiration.

Year’s of hard work and dedication to the sport have seen her become one of Australia’s most exciting attacking players.

Local fixtures return this weekend after the representative break. ensure Weekend Post we’re match