Albion Park's Hayes played a key role in helping his state win the Australian Indoor Hockey Festival open men's title in Unanderra on January 7. It was their 12^th straight title win.

His form didn't go unnoticed. Hayes was among eight South Coast talents announced on Tuesday in Australia's extended men's and women's squads for the 2021 Indoor Hockey World Cup.

Hayes - who is currently representing Australia A in a series against Belgium - will be joined in the Aussie men's world cup squad by fellow locals Heath Ogilvie, Daniel Joliffe, Joshua Mayo and Thomas Miotto.

Hayes was part of the Australian side that achieved its best ever result at the 2018 Indoor World Cup, losing the bronze medal game to Iran.

"Every time you get selected to represent your country is always a good feeling," Hayes told the Mercury.

"The World Cup in 2018 was awesome with us finishing in our highest placing ever. Hopefully we can go a couple better next year. There was a good contingent of NSW players picked after our 12th title in a row, there probably could of been a few more."

Wollongong's Kelsey Hughes also played an important role in NSW Blues winning the open women's title on January 7. She has been picked in the Australian women's squad alongside South Coast pair Kyah Gray and Emma McLeish.

See more: NSW under-18s women's cap golden campaign at Australian Indoor Hockey Festival

NSW players dominated the two extended squads named by Hockey Australia on Tuesday, with 20 men and women from across the state selected.

All players will attend a three-day selection camp in mid-2020, where the final teams of 12 players will be picked.

The date and locations for the tournament are yet to be confirmed.

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