NSW Pride Ready to “Rip In” for 2025 Hockey One Season

The NSW Pride have officially kicked off their 2025 One Active Hockey One League campaign, stepping out in front of Sydney’s iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge ahead of their opening-round clash this Saturday.

Both the Men’s and Women’s teams are preparing for a fierce contest as they travel to the ACT to face cross-border rivals, Canberra Chill. The Pride Women, who won Bronze in 2024, aim to build on last season’s success, while the Pride Men are determined to bounce back after missing the finals.

Newly capped Kookaburra Nathan Czinner, fresh off an Oceania Cup win in Darwin, has returned to training with the squad. “Training has been really enjoyable. It’s great to have the group back together and we’re ready rip in this week,” Czinner said. He added that the team is focused on making amends for last season’s results.

Head Coach Scott Barker acknowledged the competitive nature of this year’s tournament. “There’s a little bit of nerves, as it’s such an even tournament this year. But the energy in the group has been fantastic,” he said.

For many players, the season opener carries personal significance. Abby Wilson, Hockeyroos star and proud Lithgow product, said, “It’s a really special feeling and it always makes you feel grateful to look back and think about where you came from. Playing against Canberra, there’s always been a tough rivalry between NSW and those girls.” Abby also noted the support she hopes to see in the stands: “It’s their (Canberra Chill) home game, but it’s really close to NSW too, so hopefully we can get plenty of supporters there.”

The Pride’s season opener takes place this Saturday, 11 October, at the National Hockey Centre in Lyneham, ACT. The Women play first, followed immediately by the Men, with both matches broadcast live and free on 7plus.

NSW Pride fans will get their first chance to see home action the following week, Saturday 18 October, at the Macarthur Hockey Complex in Narellan. The team will then return to Newcastle for Round 3 on Thursday 24 October at the Newcastle International Hockey Centre, before heading to Goulburn for Round 6 on Thursday 14 November at the Goulburn Hockey Complex. Tickets are now available through Intix and the Hockey One website.