Rippon, 31, was listed in Cronulla women's team for the opening rounds of the National Water Polo League, but took no part after announcing she had retired from the sport.

Her decision followed her dumping from the Australian women's team (Aussie Stingers) for the recent three-match Test series against the US, two of which were played at Rippon's home pool, Sutherland Leisure Centre.

Club representatives say Rippon believes this has given her little or no chance of winning back selection for the London Olympics.

"I believe Rebecca is hurting a fair bit . . . still we feel she is an important member of Cronulla's National League team," said Mihailovic whose women's and men's teams had opening round wins over the weekend.

"I'm hoping to talk to her and see if we can interest her in getting back in the pool for us."

The older of the two Rippon sisters — Melissa — is still in the Australian squad. The sisters were members of the bronze-medal-winning Australian water polo team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, along with step-sister Kate Gynther. The Rippons were one of two sets of sisters represented, alongside Cronulla's Jenna and Mia Santoromito (since retired).

Mihailovic has been given a big job as head coach of both Cronulla's 2011 national league women's finalists, as well as a men's team which has struggled in recent years.

But since bringing his family from Belgrade — his son and daughter are both playing for Cronulla — the coach has enjoyed considerable success.

He made an immediate impact, first taking Cronulla's under-20s and under-18s to become state champions, before organising the men's national league team to travel to his native Serbia for two weeks of preparation and games.

The women's team expected success in the opening round national league games against Adelaide at Sutherland Leisure Centre pool, and they won them both (8-4 and 7-4) with internationals — goalie Alicia McCormack, Nicola Zagame and Holly Lincoln-Smith — leading the young side with aplomb.

The men's side showed marked improvement to also win both games. The Sharks triumphed 13-12 on Thursday, and then took out their second game on Saturday in a penalty shootout finish (11-9).