New era for Narrabri Dolphins Water Polo Club

The local water polo community made a splash last week as players of all ages took to the pool for a series of successful trial games ahead of the official start of the Narrabri Dolphins’ 2025/26 campaign.

The pre-season kicked off on Tuesday, October 14, with the flippa ball under-12 program taking centre stage in the shallow end of the Narrabri Aquatic Centre.

Club officials were pleased with the turnout of the enthusiastic young players who participated, many of whom were experiencing water polo for the first time.

The modified game format that flippa ball uses provides the perfect opportunity for newcomers to learn the fundamentals in a fun, supportive environment.

Narrabri Dolphins’ junior coordinator Stacey Dunn said it was great to see so many young faces getting involved early.

“Flippa ball is all about introducing kids to the game in a way that’s enjoyable and accessible. It has been fantastic to see the excitement and teamwork already developing among our youngest players,” she said.

The momentum continued for the Dolphins on Friday, October 17, as the under-15 and senior divisions hit the water for their trial games.

With strong numbers across both grades, the sessions showcased some impressive skill, teamwork, and intensity for this early stage of the season, blending competition with plenty of laughter and encouragement.

Club officials noted that the high quality of play reflected the ongoing growth and strength of water polo in the Narrabri region.

“Friday nights are as much about community as they are about competition,” said committee member and player Liam Mair.

“It’s a chance for everyone to come together, enjoy the game, and be part of something social and supportive. We’re really proud of the culture that’s developed around our club.

“It’s shaping up to be a great season.”

The official competition season will begin this Friday, with matches scheduled across junior and senior divisions starting from 5.30pm.

Games were formerly played on Sundays in the club’s two previous seasons, but Friday is the club’s new day for matches.

There are once again two under-15s teams and four senior teams this season, but they all have new names for the 2025/26 campaign.

The two under-15s sides are the Club Narrabri Marlins and the Bellevue Titans, who will meet in the first game on Friday evening.

The senior games will then see Nutrien Crocs face off against the Santos Surge, and the PAB Power meet the Sierra Tek Sea Snakes.

Narrabri Dolphins Water Polo Club has a large committee this season, led by president Todd Dunn, who replaced the outgoing president and club founder Dean Clarke. Other executive members are Nick Brennan (vice-president), Jenny Donaldson (secretary), and Stacey Dunn (treasurer), and committee members are Tarsh Rutter, Chris Hobden, Liam Donaldson, Paul Bushby, Andrea Fernance, Liam Mair, Andy McManus and Stewart Todd.

As well as new team names, a new game day and a new committee, the club also has a new website that includes plenty of key dates as well as fixtures, results and points ladders.

Todd Dunn told The Courier the club is looking forward to an exciting and competitive season, underpinned by the Dolphins’ strong focus on having fun and creating a social environment for all members.

The club has also placed a strong emphasis on junior development, supported by flippa ball and coming school engagement programs aimed at introducing more children to the sport, with 2026 expected to be a breakout year for junior participation.

Dunn advised that registrations remain open, and the club warmly welcomes both new and returning players of all abilities.

“Whether you’re an experienced competitor or completely new to the game, there’s a place for everyone in the pool this season,” he said.