TRI NATIONS PROVIDES STEPPING BLOCK FOR AUSSIE SHARKS AND STINGERS 

The Tri Nations Test Match Series delivered a mixed bag of results for the Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers as they hosted USA and Japan for a three test series in Perth. 

It was the first time since the Covid pandemic that Australia has been able to host international teams on home soil, providing junior fans taking part in the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships the opportunity to see their heroes up close. 

The Aussie Sharks played Japan, with the Series ending in a draw after the host side notched up one win, one draw and one loss. 

While the final match saw the Aussie Sharks go down to the visitors 11-13, Head Coach Tim Hamill said the team showcased some good progress, but admitted they still have a way to go as they work towards Paris 2024 and beyond. 

“We are happy where we are but certainly not hiding from the fact we've got a long way to go. I really can't fault the playing group, from day one we spoke about character, we spoke about effort and they're the two things that must be stock standard with this group. 

“And I really can't fault the playing group for the last 12 months and demonstrating those throughout. I'm really excited about what we can do in the next 18 months leading to the Paris Olympic Games,” he said. 

Hamill said the squad he is building is not just about Paris but also with a view of building towards LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032. 

“One thing we've done in the last 12 months is we've been really clear with the playing group that we're going to build a big squad. We're focusing on Paris but we're also trying to build something for LA and the Brisbane Olympic Games after that,” he said. 

Aussie Sharks Co-Captain and Tokyo Olympian, Blake Edwards said the side really valued the chance to play on home soil and quite simply get more international competition under their belt. 

“The home crowd support has been spectacular. We're really fortunate to play games like this at home and unfortunately don't get enough.

“I'm extremely proud of the guys, we had a lot of debutantes here. Unfortunately we didn't finish the way that we would have liked but I think the second game was a good display of what we should be doing.

“I think we’ve got a good group of guys that are super ambitious and really motivated. We lack a bit of experience but that will come with just more games, more tours and training camps like this one,” he said. 

The women hosted the current Olympic and World Champions USA, and went down to them in the final two matches, after delivering a draw in the first match. 

Aussie Stingers Head Coach, Paul Oberman, said he’s taking a lot of positives out of this week as he looked to introduce more young players to the international stage, with quite a number of players based overseas currently. 

“We’ve done really well, I’m super positive.  They are young group but they have been challenged by the Olympic and World Champions, and any time you get the chance to challenge yourself against them it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn but also see what you can do 

“We had 22 players given an opportunity last year to represent Australia, we have more this time.  

“We can only get better. The more experience we put into the players the better they are going to become.  

“We are sixth in the world now, we’re not happy… we are really confident we are going to keep improving, and I think we’ll surprise some people,” he said. 

In camp with the Aussie Stingers forming part of the coaching group and support start were a number of Olympians from over the years, including members of the gold medal team from Sydney 2000. 

“They provide a lot of mentoring, are role models for our players and offer a different perspective to what I bring. There is a successful group of women around this squad because success breeds success,” he said. 

Dual Olympian and Aussie Stingers Captain Zoe Arancini echoed Oberman’s comments. 

“The results didn’t go our way but I think it has been a very good learning experience for our girls.  I think the results are quite good considering they are reigning Olympic and World Champions and we have a young and inexperienced squad… I would say those score lines are pretty respectable. 

“We have to remember that the pandemic shut down two years of international water polo, so our junior players missed two years of playing international teams. It’s invaluable for them to get this experience, not just for the Paris [Olympic] cycle, but LA and Brisbane too,” she said. 

The Perth native was thrilled to be able to Captain her country in front of a home crowd, with her loved ones in the stands.

“It’s a huge honour and it’s such a privilege to have my family and friends here to watch you don’t get many opportunities like this. Thank you everyone who has come out here to support us,” she said. 

Game 3 

Men

AUS 11 JPN 13 

Women

AUS 6 USA 9

Full results - click here