The past decade has seen Australia’s junior sweep team focus primarily on the coxed four rather than the coxless. However, with that event removed from the program, this year’s straight four challenger will mean business. Bringing with it a distinctly cerise vibe and two returners from last year’s world champion coxed boat, this crew will be one to watch.
Angus Ciesiolka – Sydney University Boat Club (NSW)
Originally from St Joseph’s College, Angus Ciesiolka has spent the past season under the watchful eye of Simon Huxley and Will Raven at SUBC. A mainstay of their U21 eight that rowed to a well-deserved bronze medal at Nationals, Gus has progressed at each event of the season, and will be a handy addition to this crew as he continues on that trajectory.
Matias Moloney – Sydney Rowing Club (NSW)
One of two returners from last year’s world champion four, and yet another Joey’s graduate is Matias Maloney. Moving on to Sydney Rowing Club after school, Matias has been a key member of their state and national champion U21 eight engine room, helping lead that squad to success across the board.
Maximus Garnett – Prince Alfred College (SA)
The member of this crew not hailing from New South Wales, Maximus Garnett, has relocated from Prince Alfred College in Adelaide to bring this combination together. Garnett has enjoyed a storied season as a part of the PAC First Eight, having broken the School’s Head of the River drought, denying St Peter’s their tenth win in a row. The standout performance of the year, however, was at the NSW Championships, where, alongside Nick Christensen, he put on a spectacular sprint finish to claim a Bronze in the U19 pair.
Tomas Moloney – Sydney Rowing Club (NSW)
Joining his twin brother in this combination is Tomas Moloney, who also returns from last year’s victorious coxed boat. With three of this crew having been a part of the victorious 2024 St Joseph’s College eight, there’s no doubt they have some pre-existing harmony to build upon. Under Kiwi coach Brook Robertson’s guidance, expect a competitive showing from the self-titled ‘gaggle’.
Coach: Brook Robertson – Sydney Rowing Club (NSW)
