Hockey: Recall queen gets another shot at Olympics

By SUZANNE MCFADDEN

Leisen Jobe has lost count.

But the truth is, she has been in and out of the New Zealand hockey team seven times over the past seven years.

Today, Jobe is back in, and gets another chance to realise her Olympic dream.

The dauntless Auckland teacher has been recalled to the New Zealand women's team for the Champions Trophy in Holland, where she will push for a place in the Olympic team.

The tournament for the world's top six nations is doubling as a dress rehearsal for Sydney and a final trial for the last three spots in the 16-player Games team.

At midday today, 13 players will be given their tickets to Sydney. Jobe, a utility midfielder, intends to put up a bold fight for one of the seats left.

Her recall is part of an interesting move by coach Jan Borren.

When the team head for Holland next weekend, three key Kiwi players will be left at home - star forward Tina Bell-Kake, former captain Kate Trolove and half Caryn Paewai - even though the trio seem certain to go to the Olympics.

Borren appears to be holding some cards back from the opposition, as most of the world's top teams are likely to do at the Champions Trophy. It also lets him watch more players who are on the verge of the Olympic team.

Jobe, now 27, has been selected and dropped virtually every year since she was 20.

"I couldn't remember how many times it's been, but a guy has kept count for me," she said.

"I know at different times I haven't played well, and last year I nearly gave up because I didn't like it any more. But I've been given another chance, again, and I'm going to make the most of it."

A physical education teacher at Macleans College, Jobe has played 44 tests in her chequered career.

Christchurch-based forward Michelle Turner has also returned to the side for the Dutch tournament, where New Zealand are ranked fifth in the six-nation tournament.

New Zealand team for Champions Trophy: Sandy Bennett, Helen Clarke, Kylie Foy, Anne-Marie Irving, Leisen Jobe, Anna Lawrence, Robbie Matthews, Skippy McGregor, Suzie Pearce, Rachel Petrie, Moira Senior, Mandy Smith, Rachel Sutherland, Michelle Turner, Lisa Walton, Diana Weavers.