"This year has made them realise it's not about where you go to play hockey and what level, it's more important to be playing," she said.

Sisters Seana, Rosie and Clodagh have all been playing hockey since they were about eight-years-old, beginning with minkey.

Twins Seana and Rosie,15, and younger sister Clodagh, 13, now all play for Corowa-Rutherglen United Hockey Club.

But after the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to see them without a season, they're all enjoying playing in the new-look Hockey Albury-Wodonga eights competition.

Growing up playing in the backyard together, the twins admitted there's a little bit of rivalry.

"We've always been competitive," Rosie said.

"We've played against each other in juniors and we're in the same team in seniors.

"It's a lot of fun."

Clodagh admitted her older sisters sometimes offer her some tips and tricks, but it's beginning to be a level playing field.

Elaine has handed down her love of hockey to her daughters after learning to play while growing up in Ireland.

ALSO IN SPORT:

She admitted she's their biggest fan.

"I'm chief driver," she said.

"I enjoy watching it, so I'm quite happy."

The family would usually be spending a lot of time on the road during hockey season, but has enjoyed much quieter winter months than usual.

The eights competition is now only being played north of the border due to COVID-19 restrictions and the border closure.

"There's a lot less travelling this year," Elaine said.

"Normally it would be Friday night, Saturday morning and all day Sunday."

All three sisters have played local representative hockey for the North East Knights, competing around the state.

Rosie and Clodagh have also represented NSW in a primary school competition, which saw them compete in Perth, Canberra and Cairns.

Elaine said the time and travel has all been worth it to see them playing hockey.

"They do get a lot of enjoyment out of it," she said.

Rosie said for the time being she's focused on continuing to play at representative level, while Seana is enjoying the social element the game provides.

"I just like the fun and hanging out with my friends," Seana said.

Elaine thanked the Hockey Albury-Wodonga committee for getting a competition up and running this year.