Surf Life Saving NSW is pleased to confirm the NSW team who will contest the 2018 Interstate IRB Championship at Thirroul Beach on Friday 13 July.


The Interstate Championships which will be held during The Australian Championships is the premiere representative competition for Inflatable Rescue Boat Competitors.



In 2017 at Kingscliff, NSW finished in third on the podium behind Victoria and champions Queensland, and are hopeful of another strong performance this time round.      



It is a team blessed with youth and experience that the selectors have chosen with Caves Beach, Kiama Downs, and North Cronulla all featuring heavily in the final makeup of the 18-strong squad thanks to their strong performances during the NSW Sharkskin IRB Premiership Series.



Woonona SLSC has also been rewarded for consistency throughout their campaign providing two representatives for the squad.



The team was unveiled following the conclusion of this year’s State Championship at South West Rocks today, and there was plenty of support for those charged with chasing state success from the close-knit IRB fraternity.



There has been a change in the coaching ranks for 2018 with South Maroubra’s Damien Wood handed the reigns.



The rookie coach who is also a passionate advocate for IRB racing because of the lifesaving skills it teaches its participants is excited about the challenge that awaits the team at the Illawarra break.



“It’s a very exciting time of year for IRB competitors and deciding on the final makeup of the team has certainly posed plenty of challenges.



“The depth and talent within the state is amazing, and this was certainly highlighted in the recent Premiership series,” said Woods.



“In the end the selectors have gone for a team with plenty of experience and youthful enthusiasm. I think we’ve got the balance right and I am confident in us going out there and giving a great account of ourselves when we hit the water in just under a fortnight’s time.”



There will be more than national bragging rights on the line at the Interstate Championship with a change in format for this year allowing the athletes a chance to push for higher honours.



Following the conclusion of the Interstate Championship an Australian IRB crew will be selected to represent the country at the World Lifesaving Championships in South Australia later this year.



The chance to wear the green and gold cap will undoubtedly be on the minds of the competitors, but to have even a chance of fulfilling that dream a positive performance for their state is high on the agenda.



2018 NSW IRB Interstate Team




  • Liam Kleyn – Caves Beach SLSC

  • Oliver Kleyn – Caves Beach SLSLC

  • Luke Walmsley – Caves Beach SLSC

  • Luke Wazecha – Caves Beach SLSC

  • Mitch Lobston – Caves Beach SLSC

  • Jacob Davies – Caves Beach SLSC

  • Troy Kirkby – Kiama Downs SLSC

  • Nathan Foster – Kiama Downs SLSC

  • Aidan Hazell – Kiama Downs SLSC

  • Kaitlin Isabella – Kiama Downs SLSC

  • Kirsty Honey – Kiama Downs SLSC

  • Kathy Foster – Kiama Downs SLSC

  • Felicity Hassett – North Cronulla SLSC

  • Elissa Hughes – North Cronulla SLSC

  • Lucy Green – North Cronulla SLSC

  • Kate Janssen – North Cronulla SLSC

  • Nathan Bow – Woonona SLSC

  • Ben Clarke – Woonona SLSC



Team Management




  • Damien Woods – Head Coach

  • Ken Sellers – Team Manager



 



Monday 2 July 2018  


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