This month we hear from Senior Men’s player Cole Phillips. Cole moved to North Harbour last year from Manawatu after he finished his schooling. He was a key member of the Turts Silver Medal last year and has recently been away with the NZ Junior Men's team in which he captained the side and was awarded MVP of the Australia Cup tournament. Hear more about Cole below...

Full Name: Cole Phillips

How long have you been playing water polo?

7 years

What made you take up the sport? 

I got recruited from a swim training by James Ross and have just enjoyed playing ever since

What do you think is the most challenging part of the sport? 

The physicality aspect and having to constantly swim up and down as fast as possible

What is the most rewarding part of the sport for you?

Winning, is the most rewarding part 

What is your biggest Water Polo Highlight been so far? 

2023 U20 world champs

Do you have a Sporting ‘idol’ you look up to? Who is this and why? 

Dusan Mandic, he is a big inspiration with how he plays and how much he helps his team on offence and defence.

You have just come back from Australia with the New Zealand Junior Men’s team that competed in the Australia Cup and were awarded MVP. What were your biggest takeaways and learnings from the trip? 

For me it was probably adjusting to the bigger responsibilities as a captain and how to help manage players along side working with the coaching staff in that respect.

What advice would you give to our younger club members who are just beginning their Water Polo journey? 

Focus on the fundamentals, it may be boring but in the long run it will help you be selected for club teams and national teams.

Quick Fire Round

1.     If you could play any sport (other than Water Polo) what would you play? Swimming

2.     If you could be an animal, what would it be? Dolphin 

3.     Sweets or Chocolate? Sweets

4.     Pre Game Song? Money for nothing 

5.     Favourite Movie/TV Show? The rookie

Article added: Thursday 13 February 2025