Queensland Squads Announced Ahead of Upcoming Tour to New Zealand

Water Polo Queensland has today announced State Squads for the upcoming 2018 Pan Pacific Youth Water Polo Festival in Auckland, New Zealand, 7-17 July 2018.

More than 250 athletes representing 18 clubs will vie for a place in Team Queensland, who will travel to the Pan Pacific Festival. The bi-annual tournament provides a fantastic opportunity for athletes to compete against teams from across the Pacific region.

Five regional based associations are also represented with athletes from the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Rockhampton, and Cairns all earning their place in the Queensland Squad.

Throughout the season all clubs and coaches were invited to provide insights into athlete performances across School, Club, State and National Competitions and the result is the State’s top athletes now getting a chance to represent Team Queensland.

Supporting the squads this year is a fantastic group of experienced and developing coaches who will work with Team Queensland. “It is really exciting to have Olympians Billy Miller, Rhys Howden, and Kate Gynther giving back to the sport and helping create the next generation of representative players.” said Mel Rippon, Head of Participation & Pathways.

“We are also fortunate to have experienced coaches in Nicola Johnson, Simon Daley, and Kristina Smith as Head Coaches of the Girls teams who in their coaching have had had an impact on the careers of Billy, Rhys, and Kate who went on to become some of the best water polo players Queensland has produced” she added.

Water Polo Queensland Chief Executive Officer Robert Donaghue said “We have undertaken an exhaustive process to ensure as many Queenslanders had the opportunity to be considered for these squads.  The fact that 18 clubs, including five regional associations, are represented is a testament to all the great work being done across the state to develop our next generation of water polo stars.”

Squads will begin their preparation for the Pan Pacific Youth Festival on May 1st with the final teams announced on the Water Polo Queensland website at 5:00 pm May 28th.

The State Squads as follows:

* These age groups are also subject to National Squad Selections which are yet to be announced