Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks Squad Locked In for 2026

Water Polo Australia (WPA) is pleased to announce the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks squad for 2026. 

Seventeen players have been selected in the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks squad, including nine players who represented the green and gold at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. 

Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks Head Coach Tim Hamill said: “Every athlete in this squad has earned their place. Their work ethic, commitment to our standards and ruthless desire to push this program forward is exactly what we’re looking for in a huge year for the Sharks.

“2026 is shaping as a defining year. Hosting the World Cup Finals in Sydney presents an extraordinary opportunity for our sport and program, with exposure to more high-pressure international environments critical to where we want to go moving forward.

“I’m excited to see how this group continues to develop both in and out of the pool as we continue building beyond 2026,” he said. 

Alongside the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks squad, WPA is also pleased to confirm the first Men’s National Development Squad with 17 athletes selected

WPA General Manager – High Performance Andrew Pratley said: “Bringing our Senior National squads back in a formal capacity is something we’ve been working towards and we’re pleased to see it come to life in 2026. 

“With LA2028 and Brisbane 2032 in the pipeline, the introduction of our National Development Squads allows us to work closely with both our current and next generation of athletes that represent Australia on the global stage.

The National Development Squad serves as a vital foundation for the Senior National program, providing athletes with enhanced exposure to elite environments and training opportunities to ensure they are prepared for the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks.

“This is a really exciting moment for men’s water polo in this country,” Hamill said.

“We have a genuine end-to-end pathway in place from juniors all the way through to the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks. Athletes in this squad will train in elite environments and experience exactly what being in the national team demands. It’s exciting to see the next generation come through and see what these athletes do with the opportunity in front of them.”

NSWIS congratulates the following scholarship holders on their selection to the 2026 Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks Squad and Men’s National Development Squad:

2026 Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks Squad

Laurence Barker (NSWIS)

Tristan Glanznig (NSWIS)

2026 Men’s National Development Squad

Zachary Izzard (NSWIS)

Oliver Purcell (NSWIS)

Matthew Wilson (NSWIS)