Water Polo Queensland Premier League rejuvenates class acts (WPQ Premier League)

How the Water Polo Queensland Premier League rejuvenated the careers of three class acts who otherwise could have been lost to the sport.

The Delfina Water Polo Premier League is many things to many players.

For some, like four-time Bronwen Knox (Polo Bears), Olympic champion Kate Gynther (UQ Water Polo Club) and Peta Schulte (Gold Coast), it keeps them “young’’ as they mentor youngsters within their respective teams.

News Corp will livestream the finals from 10am, Sunday, at the Valley Pool, then offer replays of the day via www.couriermail.com.au, the Gold Coast Bulletin, Sunshine Coast Daily and News Corp affiliates.

For others, like All Hallows’ School alumni Georgia Hickey (Vikings), the competition is a chance to relaunch her career while for Merlo Mermaids Matilda Moore, the Premier League was a chance to grow her game after her US College career was cut short due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Hickey is the pin-up girl for why this tournament is so important to growing the sport.

“I would not have played this competition if (new club) Vikings had not got approved because I didn’t have the drive,’’ said the 2019 Queensland Thunder premiership winning player.

RELATED LINKS

LINK TO NEWS CORP’S GRAND FINAL DAY LIVESTREAM COVERAGE HERE

ROUND 3-4 REPLAYS HERE

OLYMPIANS TAKE THEIR GAMES UP A NOTCH AFTER GAMES

“Now I get to play with my friends and it is fun.’’

Hickey said the said the northside-based Vikings club, formed just one year ago, was also a perfect fit for her and some of her friends who could have been lost to the sport after finishing school.

The UQ Water Polo Club’s (formerly Barras— Kate Gynther. Pic: Josh Woning

Gynther, the triple Olympian (2004, 2008, 2012) and dual Olympic water polo bronze medallist, would also most likely have been lost to the sport if the Premier League had not started last year.

“It is a really good stepping stone and something we have needed in south east Queensland, something that is more of a higher level without going to the extreme of national league.

“And it allows a wide variety of players to either start their senior journey or continue on.’’

Gynther said she was also loving her mentoring role around UQ Water Polo Club (formerly Barras).

Merlo Mermaids Matilda Moore in the Valley Pool.

For Moore, her development would have stagnated if it was not for the Premier League.

The Stuartholme School alumni was polishing her skills playing US College water polo when the COVID-19 pandemic forced her back to Queensland - a relative safe haven from the virus.

As a result she is progressing her game playing with the best in the state as she aims to one day play for Queensland Thunder and Australia.

Merlo Mermaids' Matilda Moore, middle, listens to coach Nicola Johnson.

“I was a bit devastated about having to leave the States and come back because of COVID and everything that followed that, but it has been really great to come back into the fold in Queensland and have a competition that was specifically run for us,’’ Moore said.

“It has really evolved (the sport) and given the youngies a chance to step up and not just drop it (the sport) straight after school.

“It is great for that transition period and to be playing against Olympians.’’

2021 WPQ Delfina Premier League Draw

Round 1: October 17 – Played

Round 2: October 31 – Played

Round 3: November 14 - Played

FINALS: November 28: Valley Pool, Brisbane

The Vkings were based in Boondall and catered for many northside players.

Semi Finals, women

9am: North Brisbane Polo Bears (white caps) v Merlo Mermaids

9am: UQ Water Polo Club (white caps) v Gold Coast

Semi-finals, men

10.15am: North Brisbane Polo Bears (white caps) v Carina Leagues Warriors

10.15am: UQ Water Polo Club (white caps) v Kawana Wolves

Fifth-sixth play-off, men

11:30am: River City (white caps) v Bushrangers

Fifth-sixth playoff-, women

11.30am: Sunshine Coast (white caps) v HWLE Vikings

Bronze medal matches, women:

1.30pm: TBA

Bronze medal matches, men

2.45pm: TBA

Gold medal matches, women

4pm: TBA

Gold medal matches, men

5.15pm: TBA

Georgia Hickey, middle, and team mates from the Vikings, a new water polo club based around the Wavell Heights, Boondall and bayside area.