The former Tudor Wests star has been based over in Perth as part of the national program since 2011, and is making the move up to the main Kookaburras squad from the national development squad.

He is one of four new squad members, along with Tristan Clemons, Josh Pollard and Tom Wickham.

“After hosting an intensive super-camp with 38 athletes and now having a better idea of out playing depth, I believe we have added four athletes who will bring maturity and an extra layer of skill to the current Kookaburras line-up,” Kookaburras head coach Colin Batch said.

“Tristan has been a regular face at an international level over the last few years and has shown he has the talent to progress to the senior squad, Matt and Joshwere both impressive at the Trans-Tasman Trophy and the International Festival of Hockey, while Tom performed well at the AHL and has shown his commitment to playing hockey for Australia.”

Willis has also been named in the Kookaburras squad to play Pakistan in a four-game series at the International Hockey Open in Darwin, which starts on March 28.

“It’s the start of the new campaign for the Kookaburras; it’s a new coaching staff, a number of new players and some players who have been around the program for a little while but need to establish themselves or re-establish themselves in the squad,” Batch said.