Kookas get easy path

A FAVOURABLE draw and tropical conditions have set the Kookaburras up with a strong chance to defend their Commonwealth Games crown, says skipper Mark Knowles.

The men’s hockey team will be vying for their sixth consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal when they open their campaign against South Africa later this week.

And it’s the late start Knowles insists will help alleviate any of the pre-Games nerves for the 11 debutants in the Kookaburras squad.