A dozen of the best NSW athletes have confirmed their place on the start line for the 2026 Iron Series, with eight pre-qualifiers now joined by four new faces after a gruelling Trial Series at Tugun Beach.
Across two huge days of racing on the Gold Coast, Pipi Te Pania and Noah Steiner of Newport SLSC and Wanda SLSC, respectively, earned their return tickets to the Shaw and Partners Iron Series after both competed last year, while Katy Rees of Swansea Belmont SLSC and Jett Green from Avoca Beach SLSC each booked maiden appearances with impressive showings.
Rees, in particular, came agonisingly close to qualifying several months ago, finishing second behind Newport’s Olivia Clues in the Next Gen Series in February. Now both will compete side by side in a 12-strong NSW contingent – the largest the state has fielded.
Coogee shark incident hero, Charlie Verco (Newport) is set to lead out the males, having finished second last Series, while clubmate, Jackson Borg, Dan Collins (Redhead SLSC) and Dane Sutton (NexGen – Wanda) will also join Steiner and Green.
“It’s a bit of the ‘monkey off your back’… you train all winter, not really knowing how you’re going,” Steiner said after qualifying.
“To line up and get the job done, on the weekend when it matters, I’m stoked and just excited to get my foot on the line in the Series.”
The female field includes Lizzie Welborn – running out for her swansong Series – and many of Newport’s best; Annalise Kibble, Piper Harrison and Olivia Clues.
The full field of 68 Ironmen and Ironwomen now turn their attention to the legendary Coolangatta Gold in October before hitting the sand in Thirroul (14-15 November 2026), Newcastle (9-10 January 2027) and finals in Surfers Paradise (6-7 February 2027).
Full results here.
Monday 21 September 2026