Under 18 Men

The New Zealand U18 Men's Performance Programme is a pathway designed by New Zealand Water Polo to educate aspiring athletes about all aspects of water polo, both in and out of the pool. New Zealand Water Polo's performance programme plays a crucial role in ensuring the future success of our national teams. In December 2022 the name of the event was officially changed to the World Aquatics Men's Under 18 Water Polo Championships. 

In 2022, the NZ Under 18 Men placed 14th at the FINA Water Polo Youth World Championships. 

In 2024, the NZ Under 18 Men placed 12th at the World Aquatics Men's U18 Water Polo Championships.

2025 NZ Under 18 Men's Squad - December 2024

We are pleased to announce the NZ Under 18 Men's Squad which will train towards the 2026 World Aquatics U18 World Championships. Note that the squad has a revolving door principle, with 2024/25 squad size of approx. 25-35 athletes reducing to approx. 20 athletes by end of 2025.

Congratulations!

2024 World Aquatics Men's U18 Water Polo Championships

Where:  Buenos Aires, Argentina

When:  2-8 July

Who:  

• Alistar Rogers - North Harbour Water Polo Club
• Cody Henry - Tauranga Water Polo Club
• Cole Schmidt - Waikato Water Polo Club
• Conor Crosbie - Canterbury Water Polo Club
• Gene Baggott - Tauranga Water Polo Club
• Isaac Schuler - Tauranga Water Polo Club
• Josh Anderson - Marist Water Polo Club
• Liam Dodunski - Marist Water Polo Club
• Mathew Mihaljevich - North Harbour Water Polo Club
• Oliver Schnauer - Marist Water Polo Club
• Rowan Ellyett - Marist Water Polo Club
• Samuel Keightley - Waikato Water Polo Club
• Zach Martin - Waikato Water Polo Club

Reserves:

• Blaise van Heerden - Sea Wolf Water Polo Club
• Mason Stewart - North Harbour Water Polo Club
• Max Duder - Marist Water Polo Club

Coaching/Management Team:

• Hamish Booker
• Michelle Schuler
• Davor Carevic

NZWP Referee:

• Michael Brooks

Read more here!

2024 Men's 17&U Australian State Championships

When: 26-30 September 2024

Where: Gold Coast, Australia

Congratulations to all those selected to represent New Zealand at the 2024 Men’s 17&U Australian National State Water Polo Championships.

UPDATE (12/08): Josh Bayes has withdrawn from the team due to injury. Benjamin Lowe will replace Josh and travel with the team to compete in Australia. 

Team:

• Blake Woods
• Cooper Everett
• Harry Irwin
• Isaac Ancell
• Jamie Durant
• Jett Evans
• Josh Bayes
• Logan Gillbanks
• Luca Williams
• Paul Skoe
• Riley Halstead
• Rupert Flaetzer
• Scott Keay
• Benjamin Lowe

Non-travelling reserves:

• Benjamin Lowe
• Griffin Hunt
• Jared Freeman
• Louie Roberts
• Rielly Erikson

Coaching/Management team:

• Tim Chambers
• Josh Potaka
• James Ross
• David Couper

• Josh Anderson (Marist)
• Gene Baggott (Tauranga)
• Liam Dodunski (Marist)
• Max Duder (Marist)
• Rowan Ellyett (Marist)
• Cody Henry (Tauranga)
• Samuel Keightley (Waikato)
• Zach Martin (Waikato)
• Mathew Mihaljevich (North Harbour)
• Alistar Rogers (North Harbour)
• Cole Schmidt (Waikato)
• Oliver Schnauer (Marist)
• Isaac Schuler (Tauranga)

Non-travelling Reserve: Matthew Leadbeater (North Harbour)

• Head Coach: Hamish Booker
• Asst Coach: Josh Potaka
• Manager: Michelle Schuler

Information about the event

How to watch the games

Draw & Results

Members of our NZ U18 Men's Squad will host the Australian U18 Men's Squad for a 3 game test series in the Hawke's Bay.

When: 12-14 July

Where: Hawke's Bay Aquatic Centre

Watch:  Games will be live streamed on the NZWP Facebook page

The NZ U18 Men's Squad will also help Hawke's Bay Water Polo Club with their holiday programme.What an amazing opportunity for the squad to pass on their skills to up and coming water polo superstars.Thanks to Hawke's Bay Water Polo Club for all of their help in bringing everything together.

RESULTS:

Game 1:  NEW ZEALAND WIN:  NZ 15 - 10 AUS

Game 2:  AUSTRALIA WIN:  NZ 7- 8 AUS

Game 3:  NEW ZEALAND WIN:  NZ 16 - 9 AUS

PHOTOS Photo credit: Cindy Edwards

NZ U18 Men's Squad:

• Josh Anderson (Marist)
• Gene Baggot (Tauranga)
• Harry Chu (Marist)
• Conor Crosbie (Canterbury)
• Liam Dodunski (Marist)
• Max Duder (Marist)
• Josh Edwards (Waikato)
• Rowan Ellyett (Marist)
• Cody Henry (Tauranga)
• Theo Johns (North Harbour)
• Miles Julian (Waikato)
• Sam Keightley (Waikato)
• Matthew Leadbeater (North Harbour)
• Milan Liao (Marist)
• Conal Martin (Waitakere)
• Zach Martin (Waikato)
• Mathew Mihaljevich (North Harbour)
• Ben Rapley (North Harbour)
• Alistair Rogers (North Harbour)
• Cole Schmidt (Waikato)
• Oliver Schnauer (Marist)
• Henry Scholes (Tauranga)
• Isaac Schuler (Tauranga)
• Mason Stewart (North Harbour)
• Blaise van Heerden (Sea Wolf)
• Sam White (Canterbury)

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