Brisbane Roar’s NPL Queensland U23 boys look to complete the double with a win when they face Gold Coast Knights in the Grand Final at Underwood Park on Sunday evening.
The Roar finished top of the standings with 53 points from 22 matches in the regular season, three points ahead of Moreton City Excelsior, while they also scored a league-high 81 goals.
Sekou Jomanday’s side booked their spot in the big dance with a commanding 5-2 Semi Final win over Lions thanks to goals from Kade McDougall, Caleb Butler, Tuquiri Beckett, Declan Warnes and Forbes Porter.
Alongside Roar’s Semi Final goal scorers, Zac Fowler who top scored for the side with 25 goals this season looms as a key figure for Roar in attack.
Knights, who won the U23 Premiership, Championship double last season booked their spot in thus year’s Final with a stunning 6-3 extra time win over Moreton City Excelsior after finishing third on the ladder at the end of the regular season.
Roar and Knights have already met twice this season with the pair playing out a 2-2 draw at Perry Park in July in their most recent clash while Knights prevailed 3-0 in the earlier fixture at the Croatian Sports Centre.
There will be Joey’s representatives lining up for both sides on Sunday with captain, Charlie Parkin as well as Rhys Williams in action for Roar while their international team mate, David Bolongi is in the Knights squad.
U23 Head Coach, Sekou Jomanday said his side were full of confidence ahead of Sunday’s final.
“The boys already have the foundation from the beginning, they have resilience, they have belief,” Jomanday said.
“They believe they can go and achieve it, they’re buzzing, they want it so that makes our jobs easier.
“All we do is make sure they’re in the right environment where they can enjoy, work hard, go and perform but I have no doubt we’ll be lifting that trophy.”
Captain, Charlie Parkin said the close knit nature of his side had been key to their success this season.
“I think there’s a really big togetherness in this group, even with the coaching staff – everyone gets along really well and I think that’s why we win on the pitch,” Parkin said.
“A final is really different to a normal game, I think it takes a lot of commitment and courage to win a final
“I think the boys can do it, we’ve been consistent all year so I back the boys to do it and all the coaching staff.”
Sunday’s match kicks off at 7pm at Underwood Park, home of Rochedale Rovers and will be live streamed on the Football Queensland YouTube channel and FQTV.
MATCH DETAILS
NPL Queensland U23 Men 2024 – Grand Final: Brisbane Roar v Gold Coast Knights
Underwood Park, Priestdale
Sunday, 8 September (7:00pm KO)
