World Cup star on home turf

Fresh off a gold medal-winning campaign at the Hockey World Cup, Kookaburras midfielder Liam De Young will take to Narrogin's hockey turf as part of the annual Upper Great Southern Hockey Association President's XI clash this weekend.

De Young was named along with fellow former Kookaburra Bevan George in joining the UGSHA president Mark Regan's side to take on the State country team.

Regan expects the clash to draw a record 900 people, up from 600 last year.

"There's been a lot of interest in the team," he said.

"To see … the world's best players playing together in Narrogin is promising for the competition.

"It's going to be fun and it's going to be a good game."

This is the third time the UGSHA has hosted a game against the State country team, who are heading to Toowoomba later this month.

Local players Andrew Bairstow and Tristan Lock of the All Blacks, and Brad Staphorst from Olympics will represent the Upper Great Southern.

Regan said after the game both sides would participate in a one-on-one penalty shootout.

"It's going to be one of the best games of hockey this year, played in Narrogin," he said.

"Plus, it's the opportunity for the community to meet a World Cup champion and recent gold medallist."

Regan said it was unfortunate Australian hockey great Jamie Dwyer could not attend, but said there could be another Kookaburra attending the event to sign autographs, not play, and encouraged the community to make the most of the great opportunity to meet their sporting heroes.

A meet-and-greet with players will be from 3pm, and President XI spectators are encouraged to arrive about 6pm for a 6.30pm start.