Water Polo Australia has announced a 17-man Aussie Sharks men's water polo squad to take on London Olympic gold medal champions Croatia at the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series in Perth, WA from January 18-19.

The squad will undertake a week long training camp in Perth starting on January 13, from which a team of 13 will be selected to face off against the Croatians.

Headlining the squad is London Olympians James Clark, Richie Campbell, Rhys Howden, Johnno Cotterill, AJ Roach and Billy Miller.

They are supported by a host of up and coming stars including London Olympic pre-squad members BJ Howden, Tyler Martin and Joel Swift.

The squad was selected based on recent performances at the NTC Challenge in Wagga in which the Queensland Academy of Sport defeated the New South Wales Institute of Sport 8-7 in the final.

Co-coaches Paul Oberman and Chris Wybrow said although they were still waiting on the availabilty of some of the players it was a fantastic opportunity for some of the younger players to push for selection in the new Olympic cycle.

"We are still awaiting confirmation from one of the players named to see if he will be available for this tournament, and if he is not then Blake Edwards will fill in for him," Wybrow and Oberman said.

"A few national players have made themselves unavailable for selection due to various commitments, such as Anthony Martin, Joel Dennerley and Mitch Baird, and with the retirement of some of the 2012 Olympians the door has been opened for some fringe Olympic players.

"Hopefully they can play well and prove themselves against the 2012 Olympic Gold medallists Croatia."

For more information about the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series or Australia's game against Croatia please go to www.aquaticsuperseries.com.au

Aussie Sharks, Perth Jan 13-19

James Clark (NSW), Eddie Slade (WA), Joel Swift (WA), BJ Howden (QLD), Matt Martin (SA / VIC), Richie Campbell (NSW), Sam Quinn (WA), Tyler Martin (NSW), Rhys Howden (QLD), Johnno Cotterill (NSW), AJ Roach (NSW), Mitch Emery (NSW), Billy Miller (QLD), Dan Young (QLD), Danny Lawrence (WA), Jarrod Gilchrist (VIC). Reserve: Blake Edwards (VIC). Coaching staff: Paul Oberman, Chris Wybrow (Head coaches), Tom Hill (Team manager), Danielle Woodhouse (Physio).

BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series: Australia v Croatia - Saturday January 19 from 3:30pm at Challenge Stadium, Perth

The Daily Reckoning Australia