Sister act set for NZ Tri Nations

CABARITA Beach products Madison and Savannah Fitzpatrick have been named in an 18-strong Hockeyroos squad for this month’s Tri Nations series against New Zealand and Japan.

The sisters, who represent Queensland in the Australian Hockey League, will line up in Cromwell, New Zealand, from May 19-27 as the Hockeyroos step up preparations for the World Cup in London in July and August.

Savannah Fitzpatrick was a member of the Australian team that finished with silver at last month’s Commonwealth Games, with sibling Madison one of six new faces in the Australian squad for the Tri Nations.

“We weren’t able to get the result we wanted at the Commonwealth Games in the end and we want to give some players an opportunity to show what they can do,” Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said.

“We think we can get some better knowledge and information for when we select the final group for the World Cup.

“We want to ensure we’re still unpredictable when we get to the World Cup.

“Our defence was solid at the Commonwealth Games but we need to find ways to create more chances and finish those chances.”