NSW Pride to host sell-out blockbuster Hockey fixture in Newcastle this Saturday

This is the first time NSW Pride has taken a game to Newcastle, which has proven a successful move with the local and surrounding Hockey community relishing the opportunity to attend a blockbuster afternoon of Hockey with tickets sold-out.

Four Newcastle locals have been named in this Saturday’s NSW Pride teams with Mariah Williams (Hockeyroo) and Estelle Hughes set to play in the Women’s match first up at 3:00pm and fresh from making his Olympic debut in Paris Ky Willott and fellow Newcastle local Ryan Woolnough are scheduled to play in the Men’s match starting at 4:30pm.

Speaking about the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd NSW Pride’s Estelle Hughes said “I really want to play here, this home game in Newcastle, is so special. To be able to play for NSW Pride in my hometown in front of friends and family who have watched me from when I was young, is a bucket list moment for sure”.

NSW Pride and Hockey NSW would like to extend our thanks to the Newcastle Associations and venue management for their hard working in making the event possible and a huge thanks to our 2024 sponsors in particular our match day sponsor The City of Newcastle for their support to bring this fixture to Newcastle.

City of Newcastle Executive Director of Creative and Community Services said City of Newcastle is thrilled to welcome athletes and their families to Newcastle for the NSW Pride hosted match at Newcastle International Hockey Centre.

"This event highlights our region's world-class facilities and offers a fantastic opportunity for all ages to experience Newcastle’s unique coastal and cultural attractions," Ms Jones said.

"We look forward to showcasing our community and hope visitors take the time to explore everything our vibrant city has to offer."

Central Coast locals Ella Carr, Liam Alexander and Michael Taylor have also been named in their respective teams for Saturday clash and are thrilled to have the opportunity to play close to home in the Hunter region.

Following their opening round shoot out win against Tassie Tigers NSW Pride women’s team welcome back Hockeyroo stars in Alice Arnott, Jocelyn Bartrum and Grace Stewart. While our Men’s team who are working hard for their first win of the season welcome back Kookaburra and Newcastle local Ky Willott and name 17-year-old Jared Findley from South West Sydney Hockey Association in what will be his debut match for NSW Pride. 

Event Details
Liberty Hockey One League Round 2
NSW Pride v Brisbane Blaze
Newcastle International Hockey Centre
Women’s match: 3:00pm
Men’s match: 4:30pm
All Liberty Hockey One leagues matches are available live and free on the 7plus
Gates open: 2:00pm

NSW Pride Women’s Team
Alice Arnott (Tamworth)
Jocelyn Bartram (GK) (Sydney East)
Ella Carr (Central Coast)
Emmalee Croker (Goulburn & District)
Hannah French (Great Britain)
Greta Hayes (North West Sydney)
Chelsea Holmes (Sydney South)
Estelle Hughes (Newcastle)
Makayla Jones (Goulburn & District)
Lucinda Preeo (Illawarra South Coast)
Grace Stewart (Illawarra South Coast)
Kendelle Tait (North West Sydney)
Mariah Williams (Newcastle/Parkes)
Abby Wilson (North West Sydney)
Grace Young (Sydney South)

Emergency Goalkeeper
Zoe Newman (GK) (Sydney South)

NSW Pride Men’s Team
Liam Alexander (Central Coast)
Nathan Czinner (Hockey New England)
Miles Davis (Sydney East)
Jared Findley (North West Sydney) (Debut)
Josh Gregory (Sydney East)
Callum MacKay (Illawarra South Coast)
Luke Noblett (Sydney South)
Dylan Martin (Illawarra South Coast)
Nic McEwen (North West Sydney)
Thomas Miotto (Illawarra South Coast)
Nathanael Stewart (Captain) (Met South West)
Michael Taylor (Central Coast)
Ash Thomas (GK) (North West Sydney)
Ky Willott (Newcastle)
Ryan Woolnough (Newcastle)

Emergency Goalkeeper
Nathan Ackroyd (GK) (Illawarra South Coast)