What club are you currently playing for in Europe?
Centre Natació Mataró, in Spain.

How old were you when you started playing water polo and which club did you first play for?   
When I was maybe 8 or 9 years old I started doing training with my sister’s team down at Bicton Pool with Melville Water Polo Club.

What’s your highlight to date in water polo?
When we won the National League in 2006. We were under a lot of pressure after a string of consecutive grand final defeats. To win in such a close finals series was a very satisfying feeling and is definitely something I will remember for a long time and something I hope to be part of again.

What’s your typical week like?
In Mataró we generally do two training sessions per day and play our game on Saturday, with Wednesday afternoon and Sunday free. Earlier in the week we do typical conditioning training (swimming, weights etc.), with the latter part being more tactical.

How do you find the language barrier? Are you learning the local lingo?
Initially in Mataró it was quite difficult as it is not a tourist area and consequently not many people speak English. In hindsight this has been good as it has forced me to learn Spanish as fast as possible. I still make mistakes and get frustrated but it’s gradually becoming more enjoyable to talk with locals. I deferred uni last semester, so it’s been great to have learning Spanish as a goal outside of water polo.

What do you do in your down time?
In my apartment my French roommate has recently bought a PlayStation 3, so lately we’ve been having some dramatic games of Pro Evolution Soccer. Before that usually just going into town with some of the guys from the team to do some shopping or have a coffee.
 
You were a new cap to the Australian Men's Team FINA World League, Asia-Oceania Series, Shanghai, China,what was the feeling like playing finally breaking into the senior team?
It was great. I was a little nervous but felt very comfortable in the team with so many players I’ve grown up training and playing with.

How long do you intend playing professional water polo in Europe for?
I think to get the most out of it you need to play here for a few years. So far I’ve found it to be beneficial and would be keen to come back for at least a couple more seasons.

Is it difficult being away from friends and family for so long?
I haven’t really got home sick as I speak on the phone to my family and keep in touch with mates over the internet. Maybe by the end of the season I’ll be missing the Aussie life a bit more. I think one of the best things about water polo is the opportunity to travel, meet new interesting people, learn foreign languages and make friends all over the world.

What would your words of inspiration be to up and coming juniors here in Aus?
To persist with water polo because it can open so many doors and give you some great life opportunities. You get to travel to some amazing places and experience other cultures. Many of the lessons learnt playing water polo apply to other aspects of life as well.