THEY say change is as good as a holiday and that saying couldn't be any truer for Tamworth's Kate Jenner.
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After playing 117 matches for the Hockeyroos and representing her country at the London Olympics in 2012, Jenner decided to take a break from the sport.
Now she is back and ready to take her place in the Hockeyroos side for its Pacific leg of the FIH Pro League, which will see Jenner line up against New Zealand, Argentina and America.
"The selection took me a little bit by surprise because I wasn't really expecting it," Jenner told the Leader.
"I was actually down in Hobart at the time coaching the NSW under-18 girls Blues squad when I got told I would be playing.
"I was pretty excited."
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Jenner said her decision to step away from the sport had "freshened her up" and reignited her love for the game.
"I took a little bit of a break and I have really only been back playing for the last 12 to 18 months," she said.
"To be honest, I think it was the best thing for me as I experienced a few different things and came back to playing pretty refreshed."
Jenner last appeared for the Hockeyroos in August 2015 and her return will be against arch rivals New Zealand on a day that brings both countries together.
"We're playing on Anzac Day and it is obviously a pretty special day for both countries," Jenner said.
"I think both teams will be wearing special uniforms for the occasion and it should be a pretty high-quality game."
The Tamworth native will be making her return alongside 17-year-old debutante Amy Lawton.
"The make up of the side is a bit different in terms of personnel but there are still some familiar faces," Jenner said.
"I think having played before and having had that experience should nullify most of the nerves for me, but I think I will still have a few nerves.
"While we have a bit of a blend of experienced players and new players, I still think our dynamic as a side will be the same."
Jenner said she would not take her recall for granted and would "leave it all on the pitch".
"I'll be just taking it a game at a time and try to do my role for the team," she said.
"I can't wait to get out there and get into it."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
