Water Polo Australia (WPA) is pleased to confirm the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers squad for 2026.
Seventeen (17) athletes have been selected in the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers squad, including all members of the 2025 World Aquatics Championships team.
Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers Head Coach Bec Rippon said: “The re-introduction of formalised squads for our senior national teams is a great opportunity for our sport.
“Every athlete selected has earned their place through hard work, commitment to our team values and the hunger to keep pushing this group forward.
“I’m incredibly proud of this group. They’ve shown consistency throughout our camps and competitions, embraced our culture, and demonstrated they’re ready for the challenges ahead in 2026 and beyond.
“2026 presents a huge opportunity for us, with Sydney hosting the World Cup Finals – something that I know our whole program is excited to work together to build towards,” she said.
WPA General Manager – High Performance Andrew Pratley said: “We have been working hard to re-establish our Senior National squads for the 2026 year.
“This has been happening informally in years gone by, but a shift to formalise this process gives us an opportunity to celebrate our squads annually.
“While the squad will likely form the base of teams selected for tours and international events, our updated National Team Selection Policies no longer preclude the inclusion of athletes outside of these squads, where appropriate and required,” he said.
Alongside the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers squad, WPA is also pleased to announce the first Women’s National Development Squad.
The National Development Squad underpins the Senior National Squad, with ‘train up’ opportunities and increased exposure to national and international environments; better ensuring the development of Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers ‘ready’ athletes.
“The National Development Squad helps us to fill a gap that has been there for a while,” Rippon said.
“In the past, once athletes move out of juniors there was nothing structured or formalised in terms of progression and pathway to the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers.
“This squad will participate in deliberate training camps and training environments to help bridge that gap,” she said.
The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks Squad and Men’s National Development Squad is expected to be finalised following the 2026 Australian Waterpolo League Finals Series.
Water Polo Australia would like to congratulate the following athletes on their selection.
2026 Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers Squad
Abby Andrews (QLD), Charlize Andrews (QLD), Hayley Ballesty (NSW), Claire Durston (NSW/WA), Tenealle Fasala (QLD), Sienna Green (NSW), Bronte Halligan (NSW), Sienna Hearn (NSW), Danijela Jackovich (NSW), Matilda Kearns (NSW), Alexie Lambert (NSW), Genevieve Longman (NSW/WA), Olivia Mitchell (NSW), Gabriella Palm (QLD), Pippa Pedley (WA), Nioka Thomas (NSW), Alice Williams (QLD)
2026 Women’s National Development Squad
Bless Daly (QLD), Tayla Dawkins (NSW/SA), Saskia Dunn (NSW), Samantha Hardingham (NSW), Samantha Henderson (NSW), Jasmine Higgs (NSW), Ebony Nash (NSW), Sienna Owen (QLD), Anneliese Pamp (NSW), Emma Putt (WA), Layla Smith (NSW), Taafili Taoso (QLD), Matilda Waugh (NSW), Alyssa West (QLD/SA)
