James O'Brien set for new challenge in water polo referee pathway

The 21-year-old is relocating to Brisbane to take part in a Queensland Water Polo pathway, which will see him mentored by Tokyo Olympic referee Nicola Johnson.

O'Brien will make the move at the end of December, in time to referee the Junior National Water Polo championships in January.

He's already been involved in the sport at state, national and international level, with an Olympic Games something to now aspire towards.

He's in good hands, with his mentor Johnson this year becoming the first Australian female to referee on the Olympic stage.

"I always knew I'd have to move to the city if I wanted to pursue a pathway and I'm really looking forward to the experience," O'Brien said.

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"Eventually that (Olympics) would be the ultimate goal, but it takes a lot of years in the sport for that.

"I'm looking to hopefully get on the national league list.

"Nicola's an awesome advocate for water polo and I'm really excited for her to be my mentor."

O'Brien started refereeing when he was 10-years-old and has gone on to oversee tournaments on a fly-in fly-out basis.

"I'm really looking forward to taking that next step," he said.

"Hopefully once the international borders open I'll be able to referee in New Zealand and a few other countries."

While he will look to join a club to play water polo in Brisbane, he said refereeing will be his main priority.

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