As excitement builds for the upcoming Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC), New Zealand’s Otago Wahoos U16 Boys are preparing to make their mark in Brisbane.
Travelling from Dunedin in New Zealand’s deep south, the Wahoos are embracing both the opportunity and challenge that comes with competing on the international stage for the first time.
Team Manager Sonya Menzies said the group is experiencing a mix of emotions ahead of the tournament.
“The team is feeling very excited, nervous and a little overwhelmed with the number of teams and the unknown,” Menzies said.
“The club, parents, players and coaching staff see this as a huge opportunity and learning experience.”
The Otago Wahoos will arrive in Brisbane with a 14-player squad, all making their AYWPC debut, a milestone moment for the young group. Among the players to watch are several emerging talents already showing strong potential in the pool.
Conan Tabb stands out as a tall, left-handed driver with an excellent ability to read the game and adapt across multiple positions. Mac Menzies brings speed and athleticism, along with a couple of signature shot options that make him a threat in attack. In goals, Rory Harrold is a dynamic presence with natural leadership qualities, while Nash Gilmour, one of the youngest members of the squad, is developing into a strong and competitive centre forward.
The trip to Brisbane will be filled with firsts for the Wahoos. Not only is it their first time competing at AYWPC and travelling to Australia, but none of the players have previously played water polo outdoors. Despite the unknowns, the group is eager to embrace the full experience.
“They’re really looking forward to the sun, the warmth, playing in outdoor pools, and experiencing the fast Aussie style of water polo,” Menzies said.
“The international element is always pretty exciting for a group of 15-year-olds.”
Supporting the team is a coaching duo with complementary styles and impressive credentials.
Head coach Matt Leadbeater, who has previously competed in Brisbane, brings valuable experience and insight, describing past tournaments in the city as among his most memorable.
Currently studying physiotherapy at the University of Otago, Leadbeater combines technical knowledge with firsthand playing experience.
Alongside him is Jacob Booth, a passionate and disciplined coach in his final year of an accountancy degree. Together, the pair provide a balanced approach that is expected to serve the team well throughout the tournament.
With a full squad of first-time participants, the Otago Wahoos enter AYWPC focused on growth, exposure and embracing the challenge ahead. While results will come, the true value of the experience lies in testing themselves against international competition and building foundations for the future.
For this young New Zealand side, the journey to Brisbane is just the beginning.
The 2026 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships will take place in Brisbane from 8-18 April 2026. Bringing together over 250 teams from across Australia and internationally, the event will be a true festival of water polo for teams in the 12&U, 14&U, 16&U and 18&U events.
A select number of games will be livestreamed via KommunityTV across the two weeks. Click here for the livestream link.
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