Mitton excited about playing with Birendra, Manpreet

Kolkata: Australia’s Trent Mitton, who has been signed by Ranchi Rays for this year’s Hockey India League (HIL), can’t wait for the third edition of the tournament to kick off. Having played for the Mumbai franchise last year, Mitton is geared up to begin his sojourn with the Rays and is looking forward to play alongside India’s Birendra Lakra and Manpreet Singh.
“Ranchi Rays are a very strong side where the Indians as well as the foreign players are all very experienced.I’m especially looking forward to play with Birendra Lakra and Manpreet Singh since I have played against them before and know how talented they are. Among the foreign players in the team, it will be great to play with Ashley Jackson and Nick Wilson,” the Aussie told the TOI.
Mitton knows it will not be an easy journey for the new team and thinks they will face tough competition from Punjab Warriors this year. Punjab were fourth in the inaugural edition and lost to Delhi Waveriders in the final last year. “Punjab Warriors will be very hard to beat this year as they have had their team together for three years now and have been improving every year,” he added.
Apart from practising on the turf, the team is also doing yoga to increase their concentration level. “Yoga is a new thing for me and the rest of the international players. Even though we have done it only for a few days, we are already finding it very helpful. Apart from that, we are also working on gelling together with some fun after training,” said the Australian.
Speaking on the benefits of playing in HIL, he said: “It definitely helps me with my current lifestyle because earning a substantial income allows me to focus completely on the game and play for Australia.”
As far as Australia’s performance in the Champions Trophy in concerned, Mitton said: “I didn’t play but we knew going into the tournament that we had an inexperienced team. Still I think we were 5-10% down in our basics and execution. However, this year we hope to have better depth in our squad and also a large group of players who will be able to play at international level. We are also aiming to improve our circle efficiency.”
The Aussie, who was part of the team that won the Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow, is now aiming to win the gold at the Rio Olympics. However, it’s not only hockey that he is interested in.
“I played a lot of cricket growing up and represented my state at junior level and currently I play basketball socially. I still enjoy cricket and always watch big name players like MS Dhoni. I also love travelling because it keeps me fresh and helps me concentrate on hockey.”
Mitton, meanwhile, owes a lot to his father Grant and grandfather Don for inspiring him to take up hockey from a very young age. Both Grant and Don played for the Kookaburras. Grant played at the 1984 Olympic Games and was part of the 1986 World Cup gold medallists while Don played in 1958. “They influenced my hockey a great deal. My father, in particular, had a lot to do with my upbringing making sure I had a hockey stick in my hand from a very young age,” he concluded.