Over the next three weeks, the sport’s national base of Perth is hosting both the Australian Hockey League and under-13 championships, the men’s masters will be in Adelaide and the women’s in Hobart.

Launceston will be represented at the national under-13s where Joe Short, of Tamar Churinga, and Queechy Penguins’ Isabella McRobbie have both made their respective teams.

Hockey Tasmania’s Northern competition committee convenor David Hickman wished the pair well as they compete alongside established Kookaburras and Hockeyroos in the AHL.

“It will represent a tremendous opportunity to mix with their Tassie Tigers and Van Demons heroes and heroines like Tim Deavin, Eddie Ockenden and Sarah McCambridge,” Hickman said.

“Since being selected back in June, Joe and Isabella have been hard at work training in both Launceston and Hobart and looking to improve their skills and game knowledge through playing in their respective clubs’ senior teams which included stints in the local finals matches.”

Isabella’s mum Sarah said both players were excited about their selections and the opportunity to play and mix with AHL players in Perth.

“It is a real treat which they will likely remember for the rest of their hockey careers,” she said.

“To be able to play in front of, and then watch, what is the cream of Australia’s national players is something that Joe and Izzy are looking forward to and we are sure they will gain some valuable insights and experience which will aid their hockey development in years to come.”

Both tournaments begin on Thursday with Tasmania playing South Australia and Victoria Blue on the opening day. The boys’ games are being played at Ockenden’s club base of Hale and the girls’ at Guilford.

Hickman added: “We wish Joe and Izzy and all our state teams a successful end to the 2016 season.”