Hockey Australia is proud to announce the 2026 National Men’s High Performance Squad, ahead of a packed international calendar leading up to the World Cup in August.
The 2026 Kookaburras program will operate under three aligned tiers within the National High Performance structure — the Kookaburras Perth Daily Training Environment (DTE) Program, the Kookaburras International Athlete Program, and the Senior Performance Program — ensuring Australia’s best male athletes continue to train, compete and develop across world-class environments.
Now in his second year at the helm, Kookaburras Head Coach Mark Hager will lead the national men’s program as the team builds on a strong foundation established over the past 12 months and looks ahead to the next World Cup and Olympic cycles.
Twenty-four athletes have been selected in the Kookaburras Perth DTE Program, based at the national high-performance hub at Perth Hockey Stadium. This core group includes a blend of Olympic experience headlined by Blake Govers (NSW), Jeremy Hayward (NT) and excitement machine Ky Willott (NSW) while emerging talents Liam Henderson (VIC) and Cooper Burns (VIC) add to an exciting list for 2026.
Among the 2026 selections, Davis Atkin (ACT), Dylan Downey (NSW), Ian Grobbelaar (WA), Magnus McCausland (TAS) and Lachlan Rogers (TAS) have earned their first call-up to a Kookaburras squad, reflecting their rapid progression through the national pathway.
Connar Otterbach (VIC) also joins the DTE Program for the first time, while Jayden Atkinson (QLD) returns to the Perth group after previously being part of the program in 2024.
Four of Australia’s most experienced internationals have been selected in the Kookaburras International Athlete Program.
This new tier enables them to continue training and competing in overseas environments while maintaining their place within the national squad. They are Tim Brand (NSW), Tom Craig (NSW), Tim Howard (QLD) and Lachlan Sharp (NSW). These athletes are approved to live and train internationally for extended periods while remaining integral to the Kookaburras’ campaign toward future World Cup and Olympic tournaments.
Completing the national structure, ten players have been named in the Senior Performance Program, previously known as the National Development Squad. These athletes will continue training within their home or alternate state environments while being available for Kookaburras selection and integration into national camps and series throughout 2026.
Kookaburras Head Coach Mark Hager said the 2026 schedule provides an exciting opportunity for players and staff to test themselves against the world’s best in key lead-up tournaments.
“We’ve got a really exciting year ahead,” Hager said. “We’ll open the season in Hobart in February for the FIH Pro League, then head to Malaysia for a four-nations tournament in April, followed by a Pro League block in Europe before the World Cup in August. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build consistency, depth and momentum across all three programs.”
“There’s genuine excitement around the group — both from the new faces who have earned selection for the first time and the returning players who bring valuable international experience. Seeing athletes like Ky Willott, Nathan Ephraums, Cooper Burns and others step up alongside established performers, it gives us a great mix of youth and maturity.”
“The challenge now is to keep developing our combinations and pushing the standard every time we step on the pitch. We’re confident this squad can continue Australia’s proud tradition of high performance and success on the world stage.”
The 2026 National Men’s High Performance Squad reaffirms Hockey Australia’s focus on delivering world-leading development environments and ensuring the Kookaburras remain among the most successful teams in international hockey.
Senior Performance Program
Dylan Brick – ACT
Noah Fahy – QLD
Max Freedman – WA
Matthew Hawthorne – QLD
Max Larkin – TAS
Toby Mallon – NSW
Hayden Pease – QLD
Nye Roberts – VIC
Daykin Stanger – QLD
Oliver Stebbings – TAS