Water Polo: Mikayla Gross scores hat-trick in loss as Hunter Hurricanes welcome new recruits ahead of nationals

Gross netted three goals while co-captain Belle Humby and Bree Akhurst both landed doubles in a 16-7 loss to the SNB Breakers at Ashfield Aquatic Centre on Saturday.

Round five of the Sydney Super League also saw Central Coast sisters Rosie and Ellie Stimson make their debut for the Hurricanes in the senior ranks.

Burdack said the siblings join Hunter ahead of a new-look Australian Water Polo League in Brisbane from March 31.

Peta Schulte, a former Hurricanes player now based in the Queensland capital, is also set to bolster the group but only for the national tournament.

According to Burdack the trio add "experience" to a young squad.

Hunter rallied in Saturday's second quarter to make it 7-3 at half-time after initially trailling 4-0. They conceded nine goals after the main break and scored four.

"I wasn't worried about the scoreline, but I thought it was our worst performance of the year," Burdack said.

He also said former Australian Schoolgirls representative Gross, who has six goals this campaign, was a "great asset for us".

In the men's competition, the Hurricanes had the bye.

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