Bragging rights up for grabs as Summer Slam competition progresses in Brisbane

As the spectacle that is the 2022 Summer Slam continued in pools across Brisbane, many matches went down to the wire as the battle for finals spots heats up.

20&U women finished up their pool stages, and played quarterfinals on Tuesday afternoon, with the 20&U men continuing to battle it out in the group stage to decide the final standings.

Currently sitting at the top of the men’s table is NSW Blues, undefeated with four from four wins.

Head Coach Vedran Cirkovic said his team are enjoying the opportunity to be back in the pool.

“It has been so excellent, the quality of the games has been outstanding and from my team’s perspectives we’ve had some great results,” Cirkovic said.

“We’re really happy to be here, so happy to be back at competition, and I think everybody is enjoying being back together.

“It’s not only great for the boys, but great for the coaches as well. There is so much positive energy and it’s been such a positive environment,” he said.

Having had some impressive wins in the tournament so far, Cirkovic said it’s his team’s intention to continue in the same manner.

“That has been our plan from the beginning, this group of NSW Blues has been together for the most part of two years,” Cirkovic said.

“This tournament has been about showing all the work that they’ve done in the lead up, and hopefully that’ll give us a positive result in return,” he said.

Also on pool deck this week has been new Men’s Head Coach and Coaching Director Tim Hamill, who has been impressed with what he has seen.

“I’ve been really happy with the tournament so far, so many people have mentioned over the last few days how great it has been to see our players back in the pool,” Hamill said.

“It’s been refreshing to see this week some really promising players, and a few that I hadn’t seen in action before.

“And as we build our Sharks squad over the next couple of years, there’s going to be some players in this competition that will be included,” he said.

With two days of competition remaining, Hamill had some simple words of advice for the players.

“Representing your state is always a great honour, and there hasn’t been many opportunities to do so in recent years,” Hamill said.

“Moving forward these national championships will be a really important part of selection, but also just for establishing competitive environments.

“The message for the kids is first and foremost enjoy your water polo, love everything that you do, listen and learn, and grab whatever opportunities are given to you,” he said.

The 2022 Summer Slam gets back underway from 8am AEST tomorrow, with the first livestreamed game at 9.15am AEST. Watch live via News Corp Australia

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