Oxfords coach Thea Sullivan knows it will be a tough first-up test against Gosford at Broadmeadow next Saturday with the two-time defending champions undergoing a few personnel changes.
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Sullivan will be without former Olympic gold medallist Kim Tuckwell (retired), captain Ellen Seaniger (Northern Territory), life member Amy Waller (second grade), goalkeeper Jasmine Etheridge and defender Anna Fittler (not playing) for the rescheduled Newcastle District Women's Hockey Association premier league in 2020.
However, Oxfords welcome the return of NSW goalkeeper Jess Parr and pick up Regals midfielder Kate Kelly.
"Our maturity and experience got us through last year, we'll just see how we go," Sullivan said.
With Central Coast sides Avoca and The Entrance withdrawing from this year's competition, she expects Gosford to be "strong".
The draw, confirmed this week, also has Souths meeting Central and Regals tackling University at Newcastle International Hockey Centre in round one on July 18. Tigers have the bye.
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