Young Roar opened their 2025 Kappa Pro Series campaign with a 2-0 win over Brisbane City at Martens Oval on Saturday night.
A pair of late goals from Rhys Williams and Noah Maieroni sealed victory infront of a bumper local crowd in Bundaberg in what was Head Coach, Karl Dodd’s first competitive match in charge of the side.
Williams combined with fellow substitute Archie Mitchell in the 82nd minute to break the deadlock, with the Australian U17 attacker, firing home a first-time finish from close range after being picked out by a pinpoint Mitchell cross.
Roar were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute when City captain, Mirko Crociati brought down Ty Cobb inside the area before Maieroni expertly dispatched a panenka penalty kick against his former side to round out the result at Martens Oval.
Maieroni, who captained Young Roar was one of six players to get their first competitive minutes for the club alongside Adam Shaker, Christian Naveen, Jack Child, Sam Flannery and Archie Mitchell.
Alongside Roar’s new faces Quinn MacNicol and Pearson Kasawaya who have both featured in A-League action this season got valuable match minutes in Saturday’s win.
In addition to the match which was the first Kappa Pro Series fixture to be played outside of South-East Queensland, the Wide Bay football community had the chance to engage directly with both Brisbane City and Brisbane Roar’s NPL side through a series of community-focused initiatives, including free junior clinics, mascot appearances, half-time activations and coach education sessions in an exciting initiative by Football Queensland.
Focus for Karl Dodd’s side now shifts to Tuesday night where they’ll continue their Kappa Pro Series campaign against Rochedale Rovers at Underwood Park (7:30pm KO).
Rochedale, who defeated Broadbeach United 1-0 in their opening match on Friday night sit level alongside Young Roar and Gold Coast Knights atop Group D in the Kappa Pro Series.
MATCH DETAILS
Kappa Pro Series 2025 – Round 1: Brisbane Roar v Brisbane City
Martens Oval, Bundaberg
Saturday, 1 February
Brisbane Roar – 2 (Rhys WILLIAMS 82’, Noah MAIERONI 88’)
Brisbane City – 0
MATCH CENTRE
