Australia have announced their line-ups for the 20th World Championships in Fukuoka.
In a joint announcement, both coaches Tim Hamil and Paul Oberman, have each picked their 15 player rosters for this summer’s World Championships (16–29 July 2023).
The Aussie Sharks are determined to make amends for their disappointing performance in Budapest last year, where they achieved their lowest finish in a world championship in four decades (11th). Meanwhile, the Stingers, who clinched the title in the inaugural women’s competition back in 1986, have set their sights on securing a medal for the fifth time in their storied history.
The World Championships in Fukuoka, which have been rescheduled twice, offer an invaluable opportunity for the top two finishers to earn automatic qualification for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. However, it is unlikely that either Australian team will secure their tickets to Paris at this particular competition.
Australia men are in Group A alongside USA, Kazakhstan and Greece, while the women also take on the USA, as well as France and China.
Among the notable names in the Aussie Sharks’ lineup are Luke Pavillard and Nic Porter, both of whom secured bronze medals in the Champions League this season. Additionally, the team boasts the return of five Olympians from the Tokyo Games. However, Aaron Younger continues to be absent from the national team.
Paul Oberman’s Stingers squad is at full strength. Seven of the fifteen played in Europe during the 2022/2023 season, while the likes of Tilly Kearns and Ruby Swadling returned to their national team having enjoyed extremely strong season’s playing in the US.
Australian Men’s Roster for World Championships, Fukuoka.
Marcus Berehulak, Matthew Byrnes, Blake Edwards, Lachlan Edwards, Andrew Ford, George Ford, John Hedges, Angus Lambie, Charlie Negus, Luke Pavillard, Chaz Poot, Nic Porter, Nathan Power, Tim Putt, Sam Slobodien
Australian Women’s Roster for World Championships, Fukuoka.
Charlize Andrews, Abby Andrews, Zoe Arancini, Elle Armit, Pascalle Casey, Tenealle Fasala, Bronte Halligan, Ruby Swadling, Tilly Kearns, Bridget Leeson-Smith, Genevieve Longman, Gabi Palm, Sofie Pontre, Amy Ridge, Alice Williams.
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