HOWDEN INSPIRING NEXT GENERATION

Fresh off two successful test matches against Japan last week, Aussie Sharks veteran Rhys Howden has reported for coaching duty of the 16&U Brisbane Barracudas Women’s team.

The Barras are one of thirty teams in the 16&U division at the inaugural Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, finishing 13th with a 11-6 win over Ryde/UTS Balmain at Brisbane Aquatic Centre.

Coach Howden is aiming to represent Australia at his fourth Olympic Games in Tokyo, but balances his heavy training schedule with the demands of coaching duties.

Last week’s victories over Japan combined with Australia’s most successful FINA World Cup result late last year has Howden excited about the direction the national team is heading in.

Backing up after five-day national camp which included the Japanese test matches, Howden was on pool deck all week riding every high and low as the Barras looked to perform well at the national event.

Howden says it has been a bit of challenge trying to balance national duties with coaching responsibilities side by side over the last week.

"It has been pretty hectic trying to juggle Aussie Sharks commitments during camp, rushing from training to get to my team’s games.

"It has been great fun, and a great tournament and just amazing to be part of the first ever Australian Youth Water Polo Championships,” he said.

With his wealth of experience and water polo knowledge, Rhys says he kept his advice to his group quite simple during the week.

“It’s all about them doing the basics right, in a tournament like this sometime you can try to do too much.

“It is best to stick to the game plan and the rest will take care of itself, overall they have come a long way over the last few years which is great to see,” said Howden.

The new event by Water Polo Australia has witnessed 3,000 participants from over 170 teams converge on Brisbane for a two-week festival of water polo.

Catch Howden in action when he caps up for the new look Queensland Thunder team in the OVO Australian Waterpolo League beginning 2 February.