After a winter of thrilling races during the Premiership Series and at the State Championships, IRB crews from all around NSW will be seeking glory when they return to Mollymook SLSC this weekend for the season ending Interstate and Australian Championships.

The idyllic South Coast town is a popular hosting choice, with action in the 2016 IRB Interstate and Australian Championships taking place from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 July.



Before the club commitments get underway in the afternoon session of Day 1, attention will focus on the representative round with the Blues looking to improve on last season’s third placing.



The NSW Interstate team including a development team made up of the next generation of IRB stars have been fine tuning their skills leading up to this year’s event.



The 34 talented Surf Lifesavers in the State squad held a training session two weeks ago at Kurnell Sydney with the team aiming to do what NSW athletes have had difficulty in doing in recent years – knock Queensland off top spot.



It will be a quick turnaround from teammates to rival for the state’s representatives with the Australian Championships kicking off on Friday afternoon.



NSW will be represented by 14 clubs at the Australian Championships with IRB Premiership and State Championship winners, Kiama Downs firming as one of the leading medal contenders.



Despite Kiama Downs blitzing the field in the race for domestic glory this season, Hunter clubs, Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay won’t be far off the pace and will fancy their chances of a strong return.



Having the Australian IRB Championships on the same beach as the NSW carnival is a great advantage for NSW athletes and will boost their confidence knowing their rivals have travelled a lot further to race.



Surf Life Saving NSW Sports Manager, Rob Pidgeon says NSW clubs performed exceptionally well throughout the Premiership and State Championships and is confident that they can bring that form to Mollymook Beach.



“We’re looking forward to seeing how the NSW crews compete this weekend. They’ve worked very hard to get to this point so we wish them the best of luck,” Rob Pidgeon said.



“Mollymook SLSC have been outstanding when hosting major events and we expect nothing less for the Interstate and Australian IRB Championships, and we’re sure our interstate visitors will feel that way too.”



The IRB Interstate Championships is set to kick off on Friday 22 July at 9am with the Australian Championships to follow at 11:30am and begin at 8am on both Saturday and Sunday.



NSW Clubs competing at the Australian IRB Championships:



Bungan Beach SLSC, Catherine Hill Bay SLSC, Caves Beach SLSC, Coogee SLSC, Elouera SLSC, Kiama Downs SLSC, Newport SLSC, North Cronulla SLSC, North Curl Curl SLSC, Queenscliff SLSC, South Maroubra SLSC, Terrigal SLSC, Thirroul SLSC and Woonona SLSC.



 



Thursday 21 July 2016