The Aussie Stingers prepared for Australia’s 2026 World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals campaign at St Rita’s College in Clayfield before opening the tournament with a thrilling 15–14 quarter-final win over Italy in Sydney.
Alice Williams scored twice in the opening quarter against Italy, while goalkeeper Gabi Palm made nine saves. Gabi also stopped Italy’s final attempt at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
The victory on 22 July 2026 sent Australia into the semi-finals and kept its title hopes alive.
Clayfield hosts Australia’s Olympic silver medallists
The squad that trained at St Rita’s included several members of Australia’s Paris 2024 silver-medal team. Abby Andrews, Charlize Andrews, Gabi and Alice were part of the side that reached the Olympic final against Spain.
Australia finished with its best Olympic women’s water polo result since winning gold at Sydney 2000.
The current Stingers squad also includes Tenealle Fasala, who has represented Australia at World Championships, World Cup events and international series.
All five players have links to Griffith University Queensland Thunder, one of the strongest women’s teams in the Australian Water Polo League.
Brisbane players bring local experience to the national side
The five Thunder-linked Stingers come from different parts of Brisbane.
Abby was born in South Brisbane and has listed Indooroopilly as her hometown. She entered the World Cup campaign after helping Greek club Olympiacos win the Champions League and earning the competition’s most valuable player award.
Alice was born in Auchenflower. She played for Spanish club Sant Andreu and reached the Champions League Final Four before returning to the national team. She also led the women’s scoring at the Paris Olympics with 21 goals.
Gabi was born in South Brisbane and has been a key goalkeeper for Queensland Thunder and Australia. Charlize was born in Herston and made her Olympic debut in Paris. Tenealle is from Oxley and brings years of senior international experience.
| Stingers | Career highlights | |
| Abby Andrews | South Brisbane, Indooroopilly | Champions League winner and MVP with Olympiacos; Paris 2024 silver medallist |
| Alice Williams | Auchenflower | Paris 2024 tournament top scorer with 21 goals; played for Sant Andreu in Spain |
| Gabi Palm | South Brisbane | Queensland Thunder goalkeeper; Paris 2024 silver medallist |
| Charlize Andrews | Herston | Made her Olympic debut at Paris 2024; long-time Queensland Thunder player |
| Tenealle Fasala | Oxley | Queensland Thunder player with senior international experience in World Cup and championship events |
St Rita’s camp brings the squad back together
The Clayfield camp gave coach Bec Rippon time with a squad carrying experience from several playing systems. Some players had competed in Greece, Spain and Italy. Others returned from the United States and Australian domestic competitions.
Captain Bronte Halligan said the group’s bond came from a shared love of the sport. The players also supported each other’s club success, even after competing against one another overseas.
St Rita’s College provided the Stingers with a base in Brisbane before a major international water polo event. The team trained and prepared for a closely contested match that kept Australia in the title race.
Published 23-July-2026
