Roar and Sydney ready for Cairns

Hyundai A-League football returns to regional Queensland with two-time Champions Brisbane Roar and traditional rivals Sydney FC battling for pre-season honours this Sunday at Barlow Park in Cairns.

In a massive show of early support from the far north Queenslanders, the grandstand at Barlow Park is already sold out and general admission tickets selling strongly as well, more than four days out from the event.

Cairns football fans will have the chance to see some of the Hyundai A-League’s most exciting players in action with Brisbane’s Thomas Broich, Matt McKay and Besart Berisha expected to travel north and Sydney FC’s Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero also a chance to play at Barlow Park.

“It’s great to see the local community showing their support for the game,” said Brisbane Roar’s Cairns-born vice-captain Shane Stefanutto said.

“Personally, I’m really excited about going back up there and I’m confident that the team can put on a good performance for everyone.

“We take our responsibility as the only A-League club in the state very seriously and who knows? Maybe some of the young fans in the crowd will wear the orange of Brisbane Roar one day.”

Sydney FC coach Frank Farina, who also originally hails from Cairns, was equally pleased to be visiting his hometown during the Hyundai A-League pre-seeason.

““I-m very much looking forward heading to Cairns with Sydney FC and playing against the Brisbane Roar,” Farina said.

“It-s a part of the world I know well and have fond memories of being there.

“It should be a very good test and a good game against the Roar.

“Both teams are now entering the final part of their pre-season and should be getting close to where they want to be ahead of the new Hyundai A-League season and I expect a tough game.”

Kick-off at Barlow Park, Cairns is at 3pm on Sunday, 22 September. Tickets are available at EventBrite.