What’s happening?
Townsville hockey talent has been named in the 2026 Queensland Country Teams.
The teams were announced after the Open State Championships were held in Brisbane over the weekend.
The selected squads will compete at the Australian Country Challenge in Bendigo, Victoria.
For Townsville, the announcement highlights a strong local presence across the men’s and women’s programs.
Grant Dilger from Pimlico, Callum James from Idalia and Curtis James from Annandale were named in the men’s team.
Caitlyn Cruickshank from Currajong, Tahnee Marshall from Kirwan and Bridie Marshall from Kirwan were named in the women’s team.
Hayley Francis from Townsville was named as a women’s shadow player.
Tia Jones, who represents Mackay and lives in Bohle Plains, was also named as a women’s shadow player.
Why it matters?
The Australian Country Challenge gives regional athletes a state-level pathway outside major capital cities.
For Townsville players, selection reflects the strength of local hockey across several suburbs.
It also gives regional athletes a chance to test themselves against strong country programs from across Australia.
The selections follow a strong period for Queensland Country hockey.
Local Impact
Townsville will have players involved across both Queensland Country squads and the women’s shadow list.
That means local families, clubs and supporters will have strong representation to follow in Bendigo.
The selections also give younger Townsville hockey players clear examples of regional athletes reaching higher competition.
For local hockey, it adds another boost after the Open State Championships in Brisbane.
By the numbers
- Eight Townsville-linked athletes were named across the Queensland Country teams and shadow lists.
- The Australian Country Challenge will be held from 8 to 15 August in Bendigo, Victoria.
- Queensland Country’s women won gold in 2025, while the men won silver in the same year.
Zoom In
Townsville’s men’s representation sits strongly in the main squad.
Grant Dilger, Callum James and Curtis James were all selected in the men’s team.
In the women’s team, Caitlyn Cruickshank joins Tahnee Marshall and Bridie Marshall.
The shadow list also keeps Townsville in the selection frame, with Hayley Francis and Tia Jones named.
Zoom Out
The Queensland Country Teams include athletes from regional associations across the state.
Players were selected from areas including Mackay, Ipswich, Bundaberg, Gold Coast, Cairns, Maryborough and Sunshine Coast.
The 2026 squads will be aiming to continue Queensland Country’s recent medal form.
In 2024, the women won silver and the men won bronze.
In 2025, the women went one better with gold, while the men secured silver.
What To Look For Next?
Townsville’s selected players will now prepare for the Australian Country Challenge in Bendigo.
The tournament from 8 to 15 August will show how Queensland Country’s latest squads compare nationally.
For Townsville supporters, it will be a chance to follow local athletes wearing Queensland colours.
