Competition heats up on penultimate day of 16&U and 18&U Summer Slam

Tomorrow the champions of the 2022 Summer Slam will be crowned after an intense three days of competition in Brisbane.

Teams will put it all on the line across the 16&U and 18&U divisions tomorrow, with all eyes on the gold medal matches for both age groups to be streamed live via News Corp Australia.

Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medal winning captain Bridgette Gusterson has been poolside this week, coaching the Barbarians team in the 18&U girls division.

Having made her way through similar competitions as a player, Gusterson has enjoyed the opportunity to give back to the game this week.

“The Summer Slam is a great concept, and I’ve had the pleasure of coaching the 18&U Barbarians team this week,” Gusterson said.

“The girls have been really improving every game - it’s a great idea to have a composite team for those girls who may not have made their state team but are still keen to get into some competition.

“It’s great to have a pathway for these girls and allow them to improve their skills,” she said.

With years of experience of being in the pool, Gusterson is enjoying the challenge of being pool side now instead.

“It’s fantastic to be back on pool deck and seeing everyone together again and I’m really enjoying being a coach now,” Gusterson said.

“It’s definitely a challenge and a great honour to be able to pass on some skills to the girls, and still be involved after all this time.

“To be part of the water polo community is always special, and to be in a position to help the new generation coming through is so great,” she said.

Gusterson is not the only familiar face on pool deck this week, with many past players and Olympians putting on their coaching hats.

“It’s great that Water Polo Australia and the states are really embracing the experience and knowledge of the past players,” Gusterson said.

“When I was coming up through the ranks, we had people giving time to help us better our game, so it’s great for me to be able to do the same,” she said.

In the boys competition, 18&U Barbarians representative Ben Taylor was grateful for the opportunity to play this week.

“I love the feeling of being able to come to competitions like this and play with all your mates,” Taylor said.

“You put in the hard work all year, and then you come here and try your best to get a good result.

“Despite losing to NSW this afternoon, we’re keen for the bronze medal match tomorrow.

“Our minds are already off this afternoon’s game, and looking ahead to tomorrow and we’re ready.

“Tomorrow we’ve just got to focus on the one percenters - making sure our ball handling is right, and we’re not making any silly errors,” he said.

The 2022 Summer Slam finals get underway from 8am AEST tomorrow. Watch live via News Corp Australia

For full results and updated draws - click here