Emerging water polo talent Mia Parker is confident she can mix it with Australia's best at next week's National State Championships.
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The 15-year-old was selected in the top NSW side for the event and she has her eyes on both team and individual honours.
"We know each other well," Parker said. "We're hoping to win, but Queensland will be a tough team to beat.
"There's also Australian selectors there watching. I hope to make the Junior Australian squad so want to play my best and win the competition with my team."
Like so many young athletes, Parker endured a tough year as lockdowns saw games and training cancelled.
The Illawarra talent remained active, however, and spent the winter swimming in the ocean while pools were closed.
With lockdown ending and competition resuming, Parker is confident she will be at her best in Queensland next week.
"It's been a long time waiting, then training a lot, so it's good to go away. We weren't able to play for six months, I swam a lot in lockdown and did lots of weights. I'm really pumped for this."