Hold-your-breath action

STATE rivalries will bubble to the surface over the next six days as Cairns hosts the 2019 Australian Underwater Hockey National Championships.

The event will showcase the best underwater hockey talent from Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia, with 300 athletes attending, including 20 junior and senior members from the Cairns Crays Underwater Hockey Club.

Club co-ordinator and Queensland representative Sean Hartley encouraged lo- cals to come down and check out the unique sport.

“There’ll be three cameras in each court – or pool – and there’ll be a big-screen in the stands,” he said. “Alternatively, you can watch from the poolside or even jump in the water for a closer look.”

The event kicks off with an opening ceremony at Tobruk Memorial Pool today, with the first round tomorrow.

Finals and Australian team trials will be held next Thursday, January 24.