Wilson retains spot in squad

MURWILLUMBAH hockey product Jason Wilson has retained his spot in the Kookaburras for the Commonwealth Games.

The 23-year-old will join a 16-man squad that will enter the games as clear favourites after having won the Champions Trophy and the World Cup this year.

Coach Ric Charlesworth says his team will have no excuses if it fails to secure gold in New Delhi.

While Charlesworth is keeping one eye on developing his team for the 2012 London Olympics, he expects the Kookaburras to go all the way in India.

“We go to every tournament wanting to win it and expecting we have a team that can do so,” Charlesworth said.

“There won't be any excuses from us if we are unable to be successful at this tournament, we certainly have a team that's aiming to win it.”

The Kookaburras face India, Pakistan, Malaysia and Scotland during the group stage, but a clash with England in either the semi-final or final looms as their biggest challenge.

“England are the European champions. Last year they beat Germany in the European final and they beat us in the World Cup earlier this year,” Charlesworth said.

“They're a very good team and are improving. They've got a lot of resources. They're a great threat.”

Veterans Liam De Young, Luke Doerner and Robert Hammond were included in Australia's 16-man Commonwealth Games squad after missing the recent Champions Trophy triumph.