Stingers Hockey One Selections Signal Territory’s Return to the National Stage
Published Fri 08 Aug 2025
Stingers Hockey One Selections Signal Territory’s Return to the National Stage
The SRA Territory Stingers’ inaugural Malaysian Hockey League season has made a powerful impact, with six athletes now signed to Hockey One League franchises and others still in contention, reigniting national attention on the Northern Territory.
These signings are more than individual success stories, they are tangible evidence that the Territory’s rebuilt pathway is working, and that government investment in the Stingers program is delivering results.
Tarrant Haami-Jones, a former National Junior Squad defender, headlines the Territory’s selections with a contract at Adelaide Fire following a standout MHL campaign. He’ll join Black Sticks goalkeeper Leon Hayward, young Stingers co-captain Calvin Farmilo, and Kookaburras star Jeremy Hayward, creating one of the league’s most dynamic combinations.
Zach Rakkas and Jeremy Mayne have both been picked up by the Perth Thundersticks. Zach has dominated the Perth Premier League this year, while Jeremy’s selection follows several strong seasons with the Stingers and NT U21s.
“I’m really proud to be representing the Territory on a national stage like Hockey One,” said Calvin Farmilo. “I was too young to play in the old AHL, so the Stingers' MHL campaign has been my first real chance to compete at that level and be seen. Getting picked up by the Fire is a huge step for me, and I hope it shows other young Territory players what’s possible when we have a clear pathway and the right support behind us.”
Emerging stars Luke Broadway and Billy Fahy also drew strong attention during the signing window, a sign that more Territory athletes are ready for the national stage and just need the opportunity.
“This is what opportunity looks like,” said Hockey NT CEO Jason Butcher. “We asked the government to back a bold plan, to create a program that gives our athletes visibility, aspiration and access. These signings are proof of what happens when you back that vision.”
Looking ahead, the Stingers will continue their push to return to full national league representation, with Hockey NT working in partnership with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation on a joint franchise model aimed at re-establishing a permanent Territory presence in Australia’s elite domestic competition.
“The Stingers are more than a team, they’re a platform for access and equity,” Butcher added. “For kids in the Territory, this is what a real pathway looks like. And for the government and our partners, this is proof that their support is creating real impact.”
The most Territory players since 2018 will take part in this year’s Hockey One League, a clear outcome of the Territory Stingers’ return to international competition.
Media Contact:
Elle Richardson
