Delfina Sport Water Polo Queensland’s Premier League launched

Tokyo Olympians Bronwen Knox, Rhys Howden, Abby Andrews, Gabi Palm and the best talent in the state will play in the Water Polo Queensland’s Premier League starting this month.

Tokyo Olympians Bronwen Knox, Rhys Howden, Abby Andrews, Gabi Palm and the best talent in the state will play in the Water Polo Queensland’s Premier League starting this month.

The Delfina Sport Water Polo Queensland’s Premier League, to be played over four weekends starting on October 17, will culminate in the grand final on November 28 at the Valley Pool.

Knox, Palm, Andrews, Howden and Australian representative Alice Williams, along with legends of the game will feature including Sydney 2000 gold medalist Jo Clark, 2008 Beijing

Olympian Anthony Martin, London 2012 Olympian Billy Miller and Rio 2016 Olympian Kelsey Wakefield.

Teams from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast will compete.

Australian women's water polo goal keeper, Gabi Palm alongside junior water polo players from the Brisbane Baracudas, Clem Cooke, 11 and Orla Arthur, 12. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Naomi McCarthy, Sydney 2000 gold medalist and Captain of the 2020 Women’s Premier League Champions - Polo Bears, will this year take on the role as team coach.

“We are excited to launch the second year of the WPQ Delfina Premier League and are delighted to be partnering with Delfina Sport to deliver this critical League,’’ said Water Polo Queensland CEO Melanie Woosnam.

Abby Andrews in action for the Aussie Stingers Pics Adam Head

“This event is a key selection event for the Queensland Thunder National League team so we are looking forward to some fierce competition.

“This year the League will extend its geographical footprint and has expanded to seven teams including the Bushrangers men’s team representing regional Queensland and a new women’s Club team – the Vikings”.

Noah Bright Polo Bears, Abby Andrews UQ barras, Alice Williams Polo Bears, Gabi Palm UQ Barras and Finn Bright Gold Coast for the Water Polo launch. Thursday October 7, 2021. Picture, John Gass

Woosnam said the competition would bring “the best existing and emerging talent across Queensland including current and former Olympians, national and state players who are represented across the top men’s and women’s teams in Queensland.’’

Aside from Queensland’s Olympians, Tokyo Games referee Nicola Johnson, the first Queenslander and Australian female referee to officiate at an Olympic Games, will referee.

2021 WPQ Delfina Premier League Draw

Round 1: October 17 - Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Southport

Round 2: October 31 - Valley Pool, Brisbane

Round 3: November 14 St.Andrews Anglican College, Peregian Springs

FINALS:November 28: Valley Pool, Brisbane