What clubs have you played for/are you currently playing for in Europe and how are you doing in the league?
I have played for Sydney Uni Lions, CN Barcelona (ESP), Barceloneta (ESP), SS Nervi (ITA) and am now with RN Savona (ITA). We are currently third in the Italian League and recently beat the Greek team Panionios to put us through to the quarter finals of the European Len Trophy Competition.

I was 13 when I first started playing at Sydney University.

What’s your highlight to date in water polo?
Our victory prior to Athens 2004 v Hungary in Budapest. It showed our ability and the way we won was a huge breakthrough in our game. That victory was the hardest yet most satisfying in my career.

How many years have you been playing overseas?
This will be my 5th season overseas.

What’s your typical week like?
Training anywhere from 7-10 sessions and travelling for games either around Europe or throughout Italy. It also includes the typical Italian lifestyle of good food, coffees and of course la siesta!

What do you do in your down time?
Paint, play the guitar, keep up to date with the financial news, read and study.

As a junior did you always see yourself as being a professional water polo player?
Yes. My first international tour as a junior opened my eyes up to the possibility of playing water polo professionally overseas. I saw it as a huge opportunity to experience living in a different country and taking my personal water polo experience to another level.

Explain the feeling of leading your country as captain of Australia?
Every game representing Australia no matter whether you’re captaining the team or not is a very proud moment. To stand up and represent Australia is a feeling not many have the opportunity to experience. When you feel your leadership has contributed to the overall team’s success is a proud moment within itself. Hopefully my leadership along with other senior players in the team will lead to great success in Beijing.

Is it difficult being away from friends and family for so long?
It can be difficult at times. Spending such a large part of your life away from family and friends means you’re missing out on many shared life experiences however I have made so many new friends overseas and have gained so much from living in a different culture. You never really lose your true friends though no matter how far apart you are.

What would your words of inspiration be to up and coming juniors here in Aus?
Nothing can replace hard work and persistence. It’s also important to always enjoy what it is you’re doing; that way it is so much easier to work towards your dream.

Who would you rate as the,” best player you have ever played against/with?”   
Tamas Kasas (HUN).

How long do you see yourself playing water polo for as a career?   
Every year I ask myself the same question. As long as I enjoy my water polo and feel I’m still improving.

So many Australian players are playing in Europe now, do you see this trend continuing for the future?   
Definitely. There has been a positive image for Australian players playing overseas since the ‘pioneers’ showed how successful recruiting Australians can be. Nathan Thomas and Craig Miller set up a link that has eventually led to a large number of players over the years heading overseas. This trend MUST continue for the Aussie Sharks to be successful as our programs cannot match the full-time professional water polo environment in Europe.

Olympics are just around the corner what are you predictions?
The powerhouses of Hungary, Serbia and Croatia will be extremely hard to beat and the Spanish have certainly showed how competitive they have become over the last few years. I don’t want to make predictions of the Sharks just yet however I would be disappointed with anything less than a medal.