Quietly confident and adaptable, the Hockeyroos enter the World Cup focused on consistency, seizing key moments, and blending emerging talent with experience. Read the full interview with Australian women’s team head coach, Rhett Halkett:
- “What excites you most about this Hockeyroos group heading into the World Cup?”
Our ability to adapt as a group is a real strength. We are making steady progress in developing and executing our understanding of what it is going to take for us be competitive at the World Cup.
- “What are your expectations for the team at this tournament?”
We will take the World Cup one game at a time. The expectation of ourselves is to be tough to beat and to give ourselves the opportunity to win each game.
- “How has the experience in Chile shaped this team heading into the World Cup?”
The experience and growth from Chile have helped our team understand that the margins are very small when it comes to tournament hockey.
- “What did you learn about this group during qualification that gives you confidence now?”
I learnt that this team finds a way to win the matches that matter.
- “This group has a number of less experienced players—what have they brought to the team?”
We ask our new players to bring their individual strengths, energy, a fierceness in competition, and a sponge mindset to the team.
- “What excites you about the future of this group beyond this tournament?”
I believe that this team is in a fantastic position culturally to build an environment that will continue to get stronger each year leading into LA28 and ultimately a home Olympic Games in 2032. The age profile in our squad of 40 athletes, the upcoming talent identified in the Jillaroos will ensure that the balance of senior experienced players and the young talented players will sit in harmony for long term performance at the top tier of the world rankings.
- “What does representing Australia at a World Cup mean to this group?”
Representing your country in the sport you love is huge honour for this group, having the opportunity to do it at the World Cup is a unique opportunity. I think the celebrations after the semi-final win vs Ireland answer that question. The team are respectful of the Hockeyroos golden legacy but also have a hunger to forge their own path to greatness.
- “Sum up this Hockeyroos team in one sentence heading into the World Cup.”
Quietly confident.
- “One word to describe this group right now—and why?”
Self-aware.
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