Among the top players taking part at the tournament, which runs through until Tuesday, is Lachlan Norgard.

Norgard is part of the state program for under 16s but his four day stint in Bathurst is all about trying to take his Hunter club side to the Division A crown.

For someone who has made the jump across water sports Norgard has quickly made a big impression.

“This is my third year playing now. I used to be a swimmer then one day at a carnival someone came up to me and ‘we need numbers for water polo’,” he said.

“I joined a local team then got picked in representative teams and it all went from there.”

Norgard said the experience in the state squad has helped further his game.

“I’ve been playing in state for two years now,” he said.

“There’s a wide variety of coaches there and some good tournaments that we get to go to. It’s a great experience.”

Norgard and his fourth-seeded Hunter side made a solid start to their campaign on Saturday.

They overcame UNSW Wests Magpies White 5-1 before going down to competition favourites Sydney University Lions Blue 6-4 in an entertaining clash.

Hunter bounced back late in the afternoon for a 6-0 win over Sydney Northern Beaches Breakers Blue.

Monday sees the crossover pool matches continue before Tuesday’s semi-finals and grand final.