NSWIS dominate national water polo squads

Water Polo Australia has announced the Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers squads ahead of the exhibition test matches against Japan at the 2019 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in Brisbane.

All bar three of the 15-man Sharks squad are NSW Institute of Sport athletes, whilst 10 of the 16-woman Stingers team are from NSWIS.

The two test match series between Australia and Japan will take centre stage on 17 and 18 January as part of the two-week festival of water polo which will bring together 3,000 junior competitors from across the country.

Fresh from their FINA World Cup podium performances the Aussie Sharks (silver) and Aussie Stingers (bronze) will ignite Queensland’s capital next month against Japan.

With the Japanese teams renowned worldwide for their unique water polo style, water polo fans shouldn’t miss this showdown between these two rivals.

WPA High Performance Manager Aleksandr Osadchuk says the public should rally behind the Australian teams who are on home soil ahead of a year which includes the 2019 FINA World Championships.

“The exhibition series provides locals a great opportunity to watch international water polo in their own backyard, as they continue the trek towards Tokyo 2020.

“Not only does it offer Aussie fans the rare opportunity to see our Olympians in action on home soil, but our players will be meeting the next generation of water polo participants to encourage and help spur them on in their playing careers.

“The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships is a great opportunity to showcase the best our sport has to offer and we are excited to have it live in an exciting city such as Brisbane” he said.

INTERNATIONAL TEST MATCHES

TEST 1
Date: Thursday, 17 January 2019
Time: From 6:30pm
Location: Brisbane Aquatic Centre, Sleeman Sports Complex, Old Cleveland Road & Tilley Road, Chandler QLD 4155

TEST 2
Date: Friday, 18 January 2019
Time: From 6:30pm
Location: The Valley Pool, 432 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

AUSTRALIAN SQUADS | TEST MATCH EXHIBITION SERIES