Four Brisbane Barracudas were recognised by Australian under 16 selectors prior to coronavirus crisis

Four Brisbane Barracudas were recognised by the Australian under 16 selectors before the coronavirus health crisis turned the world on its head.

Four Brisbane Barracudas were recognised by the Australian under 16 selectors before the coronavirus health crisis turned the world on its head.

Jack French from Auchenflower, Paddington’s Samuel Mellick, Marcus Buchanan from Padua College and Marist College Ashgrove student Will Valentine were in the initial training squad

hoping to compete at the FINA Water Polo World Championships which were now in limbo.

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Mellick, from Brisbane Grammar School, said selection was encouraging and thanked the role the Barracudas’ coaches had played in developing his skills.

Barracudas water polo club player Jack French

French, who attends St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace, said playing with older boys at Barras had developed his game after he moved from Sydney to Brisbane two years ago.

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Buchanan said he was surprised when he saw his name in the squad.

“It gives you a confidence boost and helps you understand where you are compared to others and allows you to strive to be there if you are not in that high percentage of players.

William Valentine playing for the Queensland Thunder against Sydney Uni Lions last month. (AAP Image/Renae Droop)

Buchanan said the Barras’ club had done more than deliver skills to his game.

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“If you get given skills and tactics, as a player you just can’t take them on board, you have to actually implement them.’’

Buchanan was initially a swimmer but he followed his older brother Chris into the sport at the Polo Bears before eventually switching to Barras.