MITCH Robinson will rejoin the national men's squad for a second training camp in Newcastle later this month after the Hurricanes teenager made the most of a last-minute call-up.
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The 19-year-old, a regular in Hunter's top team and a former Australian Schoolboys representative, has again been invited to take part in sessions at Lambton Pool as the Sharks continue their preparations for this year's rescheduled Olympics in Tokyo.
It comes after Robinson initially helped out the Aussie side, down on numbers because of overseas-based players and COVID-19 travel restrictions, just over a week ago having been notified about the opportunity only 24 hours earlier.
"My first thought was how could I get out of work?" he said.
"Luckily I'm actually at Lambton Pool on weekends and I had an open shift on the Sunday. I started at 5, finished at 8 before my boss covered me and then jumped in the water [to train] at 8:30."
Robinson reckons the unexpected experience has given him renewed confidence for 2021.
"It gives you a little kick. I definitely learned a lot, just being around those kind of players, and I can bring that back to the Hurricanes," he said.
"It was all unreal and even though it was tough being thrown in the deep end everybody was very inviting, friendly and helpful."
One of the main lessons for Robinson was the level of communication.
"You see how easy they're able to change systems, from attack to defence, with just a few words," he said.
Robinson said he was also pleased to see the familiar face of fellow Novocastrian and three-time Olympian Richie Campbell.
The pair crossed paths in the state capital on Saturday as part of the newly formed Sydney Super League, filling the void left by the national competition reverting a week-long tournament in Brisbane from March 31.
Campbell's UNSW Wests beat Robinson's Hunter 15-10. The Hurricanes women went down 19-1 to the same opposition.
The Australian men's squad, along with Robinson, will now return to Lambton Pool in the countdown to the Games. This coincides with the Hurricanes hosting a series of games in Newcastle Harbour on February 20.
"It's going to be a massive day of water polo," Robinson said.
Hurricanes junior Spencer Burdack also took part in the Sharks' training camp last month.
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