Tambellup’s Penny Squibb with key role to play for Aussies in Pro League test against Netherlands and Belgium

Three WA players are part of a strong Hockeyroos squad named for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches against the Netherlands and Belgium in Europe next month.

Tambellup defender Penny Squibb, Northam-raised goalkeeper Aleisha Power and Kensington product Karri Somerville are the WA trio selected in the 20-player squad for the European tour on June 8-20.

Squibb, 30, has become one of Australia’s most valuable players with the defender having made 41 appearances for her country and was part of medal-winning teams at the World Cup and Commonwealth Games in 2022.

Australia will clash with world No.1 Netherlands and the sixth-ranked Belgium and will be boosted by the return of experienced contingent Stephanie Kershaw, Kaitlin Nobbs, Brooke Peris, Mariah Williams and Somerville.

Kershaw, Nobbs and Brooke Peris have been playing club hockey in the Netherlands and are coming back into the national set-up for the first time since February.

Williams missed the Hockeyroos most recent series in New Zealand while Somerville is set to play her first international game since last year’s Commonwealth Games after the 24-year-old has made a successful comeback from an injury that needed surgery.

Tasmania teenager Maddison Brooks is the only player selected for the series, outside the Hockeyroos 2023 squad of 22 that was announced in February.

The 18-year-old has impressed in 11 internationals so far and Hockeyroos head coach Katrina Powell said she deserved her place in the team for the games in Eindhoven and Antwerp.

Australia will play four Pro League matches, starting on June 8, during the overseas tour which will be a crucial hit-out before the Oceania Cup against New Zealand in August that doubles as a qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games.

““Following our time in Europe we will know the best combination for the Oceania Cup, so it’s really important preparation, not just for the team but individuals,” Powell said.

“Playing key games against the Netherlands, who are the best in the world, plus an underrated Belgium side, I am keen for athletes to show what they can do while at the same time continuing to develop our way of play.”

The Hockeyroos will be in action this week in a home series against India in Adelaide, with games on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Nedlands’ Pippa Morgan, who has not played an international game, is the sole WA representative in the team.

Australia A will also play two matches this week against India at MATE Stadium with Morgan joined by fellow WA players Rachel Frusher and Line Malan in that team.