Orchard will be one of three regular Kookaburras rejoining the top squad at the Four Nations tournament in Perth following a stint on the sideline with injury.

The 2008 Maitland Sportsperson of the Year was out of action with a knee injury for the end of last year along with Joel Carroll and Graeme Begbie.

But the trio will don the green and gold once more and have the chance to impress national selectors six months out from the London Olympics.

The Kookaburras first test at the Four Nations tournament will be against Australia A at Lemnos Shenton Park before fixtures with world top 10s Argentina (Friday) and the Netherlands (Sunday) at Perth Hockey Stadium.

Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth said competition for spots would be hot for the world number one team.

“With 28 players in the Olympic squad and 14 players in the development squad, this gives us a good opportunity to test the groups and assess their state of preparedness,” Charlesworth said. “We are heavy in training at the moment and these matches will give the players a great chance to play against strong teams that we’ll be competing against in London.  Every game we play will help us to further define our best team.”

Another major factor in the upcoming series will be the use of the newly laid Olympic Games replica blue pitch at Lemnos Shenton Park.

“It will be great to play serious matches against quality teams on a blue pitch,” Charlesworth said. “We hope the conditions will give us a good insight into what to expect in London.”

A number of experienced Kookaburras players will line up for Australia A in the first week of competition before switching back to the top group in week two.

Play continues for the Kookaburras next with four more matches against the same opponents, sharing venues between Lemnos and Perth.

A devised plan in the gymnasium has been the centre of attention during the summer months but all three are looking to be back on the playing turf next week.

The Asian tour begins in Thailand with a warm-up match for both men and women followed by a three-test series against the national team.

The Australian Country sides will then head to Malaysia, where they will compete in another three-match test series against the powerful Malaysian under-21 team.

"We expect all matches to be extremely difficult and certainly very competitive," Fernance said.

"Not only do we have to face off against very fast and skilful opposition but we have to try and battle the sometimes trying weather conditions.

"Fortunately our club trainings begin next week and then we have the Hunter Power Cup and a couple of local premier league matches before we depart so we should be nearing top match fitness by the time we meet the Asian teams.

"But you are never quite sure if you have that level of fitness until you face the opposition and determine the type of game that will be played. I know the Asian teams are quite upbeat and love to play a running game so we will continue to train hard to meet the demands."

Hunt, who is one of the best defensive players in the country, will captain the Australian Country men's team.