Aussie Stingers start LA2028 Cycle in Greece

The Aussie Stingers have arrived in Alexandroupolis, Greece, ahead of the first competition of the new Olympic cycle.

With 1276 days until the Olympic cauldron is lit once again, the Stingers have been training in the home of the modern Olympics in preparation for the World Cup.

Seven Stingers will return to the international stage for the first time since the Paris Olympic Games, as the squad welcomes some new faces, with five athletes set to make their senior national team debut.

Olympic silver medalist Bronte Halligan, a NSW Institue of Sport athlete (NSWIS, pictured above), said she was enjoying being back with the Australian national team.

“It’s really exciting to be back with the Stingers group. It’s a new group since Paris, some old faces and some new faces,” said.

“It’s just a great energy, and we’re looking to build on the momentum we created in Paris. But like I said it’s a new group, so were taking it day by day, step by step, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do.”

Two-time Olympian Abby Andrews has been living in Greece since the Paris Olympics, playing for renowned club Olympiacos in the European league. She said she was excited to start the journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

“I love living here, and I’ve really enjoyed training here with the Stingers over the last week, and training with the Greeks was great preparation for us,” said Andrews.

“Starting a new cycle and getting the feelers out to see where we are starting this cycle (at the World Cup) is really exciting, and I can’t wait until we get in the pool.”

The Stingers will play their first game on Tuesday 14 January (local time) against the Paris Olympic bronze medalists, the Netherlands. Goal keeper Gen Longman, a NSWIS scholarship athlete (photographed above), said she’s really looking forward to the challenge.

“I think we can expect the Netherlands to bring a really high quality game of water polo,” said Longman. “They have some new players, like we do, but we know they are always going to bring their A-game.

“They have some really great outside shooters, they play a fast and physical game. I think they bring out the best in us, and we do that for them too. It will be action packed, but an exciting game to watch

.The 2025 World Aquatics World Cup will be live streamed via Recast.  CLICK HERE for more information .

T AUSSIE STINGERS DRAW

Wednesday 15 January | 6am AEDT | Australia v Netherlands

Thursday 16 January | 6am AEDT | Australia v Israel

Friday 17 January | 6am AEDT | Australia v Italy

Story courtesy of Water Polo Australia