25.10.2012

Water Polo Australia has announced a combined SIS/SAS men’s 2016 Rio target squad to tour Japan for a series of training internationals next month.

The squad of 15 will be coached by Chris Wybrow and Paul Oberman and includes a healthy mix of youth and experience.

With a number of target players unavailable due to overseas, work and university commitments a handful of Australian Born ’93 and ’94 players have been selected.

Headlining this list is Newcastle junior Gordon Marshall, who will also form part of Australia’s squad at the 2012 FINA World Youth Championships in Perth in December.

Charged with mentoring these players are senior squad members Joel Swift, Daniel Lawrence, Tyler Martin and Chris Dyson. The quartet has each played over 20 tests for Australia and their experience will be invaluable to the team.

Wybrow said he and Oberman were looking forward to providing the younger players with great international exposure and said it was important that WPA start focusing on the next Olympic cycle.

“For many of our players this will be their first taste of senior international duties and that is a great stepping stone for Australian water polo,” Wybrow said.

“The Japanese have invited the Australian target squad to Tokyo to help them prepare for their Asian Games.

“This is a great opportunity for the 15 Australians, and with good performances could cement their place in the senior men’s squad in preparation for Rio in 2016.

“Japan is a water polo nation on the rise with a top 12 finish at the Shanghai World Championships in 2011.

“The Japanese are a formidable counter attacking team that have some good centre forwards and shooters that will provide a stern test for the young Australians.”

The team will leave Australia on November 9 and will return on November 17.

Australian Men’s Rio2016 Japan Tour Squad, Nov 9-17

Eddie Slade (WAIS, 1991, GK), Carl Zvekan (VIS, 1990, GK), Tyler Martin (NSWIS, 1990, CB), Chris Dyson (NSWIS, 1990, LH), Mitch Emery (NSWIS, 1990, DR), Joel Swift (WAIS, 1990, CF), Jarrod Gilchrist (VIS, 1989, DR), Daniel Lawrence  (WAIS, 1989, DR), James Woods (VIS, 1990, DR), George Ford (WAIS, 1993, CB), Gordon Marshall (NSWIS, 1994, CF), James Fannon (WAIS, 1991, DR), Tyler Sinclair (QAS, 1993, CF), Daniel Egan (VIS, 1993, CB), Richard Small (QAS, 1990, LH). Coaching Staff: Chris Wybrow, Paul Oberman (Head Coach), Ian Gard (Physiotherapist)