Sharks and Stingers Select World League Squads

Australia’s men’s and women’s water polo squads for next month’s World League Finals have been selected with an eye towards the future, with a clutch of talented youngsters earning call ups in both squads.

With the Stingers having this week won the Intercontinental Cup in California, coach Greg McFadden has given a number of young athletes a chance to shine at this year’s peak event with a squad that contains four WAIS scholarship holders.

Youngsters Lilian Hedges, Jessica Zimmerman and Eliesha Browne have all been retained from the triumphant squad, whilst Olympic and World Championship representative Glencora McGhie joins the 13-strong squad.

The Stingers leave shortly for a training camp in China, before World League Finals begin on June 10 in Shanghai, with the tournament running through to June 15.

Men’s coach Elvis Fatovic has selected a similarly youthful core for the Sharks’ World League Finals campaign, which is being held in Dubai from June 16-21, pending – as expected – the team qualifies through their current Intercontinental Cup tournament in China.

The Sharks’ squad contains three WAIS athletes with Olympian Aaron Younger the most experienced of the WA contingent. He will be joined by World League debutants George Ford and Edward Slade.

The Sharks have made a successful start to their Intercontinental Cup campaign in Shanghai, defeating Kazakhstan 11-7 after a tight 11-10 win over Canada in their first outing. The Australians next face Japan this evening, hoping to make it a perfect three from three in their group.

WAIS water polo coach Paul Oberman is assisting the Sharks group throughout their tour.