It was the same year Simon Orchard was born.

Now, 24-years on from the initial success, the Kookaburras have the chance to reclaim the coveted trophy when they travel to India later this month and Orchard will be part of the push.

“Maybe it’s a little bit of an omen,” Orchard told the Mercury yesterday after hearing of his selection in the 18-man squad.

“I hope so anyway.”

The entire Kookaburras squad will be hoping so as well, as they look to turn around finals losses from the past two campaigns.

In 2002 the Kookaburas went down 2-1 to Germany in Kuala Lumpur, while four years later it was the same result against the same opponent but in much more dramatic circumstances.

The Kookaburras led 3-1 in the 2006 World Cup decider and were in sight of victory before Germany rallied in front of a home crowd to score three unanswered goals and triumph 4-3.

The Australians extracted some revenge against the Germans, with a 5-3 win at the Champions Trophy in Melbourne at the end of last year.

It sealed back-to-back Champions Trophy crowns for the green and golds, but the World Cup is the sought-after prize for field hockey.

“The World Cup is the highlight...the best of the best are all going to be there,” Orchard, who was named the 2008 Maitland Sportsperson of the Year, said.

“The Olympics are special for other reasons and a gold medal is one of the highest honours you can receive as an athlete.

“But the World Cup is more for the prestige and it is hockey’s time to shine.”

The Kookaburras, who have finished in the top three at every World Cup since 1978, will start this year’s crusade against England, the same team they beat to win the World Cup in 1986.

The Ashes battle will be a prelude to another great sporting rivalry on February 28, when hosts India take on neighbours Pakistan at the same venue, Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.

South Africa and Spain are the other two teams in the Kookaburras’ pool.