Like most players headed to a national tournament, Chloe Barrett’s pretty excited.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But, ahead of Tuesday’s opening day of the under 21 Women's Indoor National Championship at Goulburn, the 19-year-old Orange gun is jumping out of her skin for another reason.
For the first time, Barrett will team-up with good friend Rach Divall in the sky blue as both prepare to guide NSW to an indoor medal.
“Even after all those years of playing local and regional together I’ve never played in a state team with her, so very excited for this,” Barrett said ahead of their opening round clash with Queensland on Tuesday.
“There’s definitely always a high expectation for NSW to come away with a medal, particularly indoor.
“Indoor I would say is very strong in our state, and we like to replicate that at national level against the other states.”
The Barrett-Divall connection isn’t NSW’s only link to the central west either, with fellow women’s Premier League Hockey guns Sarah Watterson (Bathurst) and Emma Corcoran (Dubbo) lining up in blue.
I’ve never played in a state team with her, so very excited for this.
- Chloe Barrett on teaming up with Rachel Divall
Barrett says it’s a bond that can lift NSW to a strong campaign.
“It definitely makes it very easy to gel, not just as a team, but as friends,” she said.
“It’s so easy to play good hockey when you’ve got your mates alongside you and I’m very excited to do that at this tournament.”
NSW is one of five teams at the indoor nationals, with Tuesday’s opener against Queensland – scheduled to start at 3.30pm – followed by games against Victoria (Tuesday, 7.30pm), Western Australia (Wednesday, 9.30am) and the ACT (Wednesday, 7.30pm).
The finals begin Thursday.
Barrett’s been playing indoor hockey for the last six years and is keen to add another national title to her resume – particularly alongside Divall.
“Hopefully we can bring home the gold together,” she added.