Brisbane Roar Youth Coach James Robinson is looking forward to testing his players against experienced opposition when the PS4 National Premier Leagues Queensland season gets underway this weekend.
Brisbane Roar FC, are also pleased to confirm the squad that will compete in the Senior Men’s NPL QLD competition. (Scroll down to the bottom of the article for the list of names)
The Young Roar start their campaign at Goodwin Park against Olympic FC on Saturday night (6pm KO), and will be attempting to improve on last year’s ninth-placed finish.
Robinson knows his side will face tough opposition every week but is confident the players will be better for the experience.
“The NPL is a different challenge to the National Youth League (NYL). We’re coming up against more experienced players, so it’s about being adaptable,” said Robinson.
“We know it’s a big leap between youth and senior football. Our goal is to continually improve as the players develop their football knowledge.”
Several young players have broken into the Roar first team in recent weeks, highlighted by the emergence of Dane Ingham, Joe Caletti, Nick D’Agostino and Cameron Crestani.
Robinson wants all his players to excel in the PS4 NPL QLD and push for Hyundai A-League selection.
“The NPL is highlighting a pathway, especially when John (Aloisi) is giving young players a chance. It’s about solidifying the structures coming down from the first team to the youth team,” Robinson said.
“The boys are getting the opportunities now.”
The Young Roar will be able to call on the expertise of new assistant Chris Grossman, a former Roar player who made over 50 Hyundai A-League appearances.
“Chris has a lot of experience and knowledge to pass on to the boys. He’s another addition to the culture that’s already been created here,” said Robinson.
One player to watch is New Zealand U17 captain Oliver Duncan. Duncan recently helped New Zealand qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup and will be a key player for the Young Roar.
Robinson praised Duncan’s work ethic, while making it clear everyone in the squad must continue to strive for improvement.
“Oliver is a hard working young man who is still developing. That experience of playing in a qualifier is another string to his bow,” Robinson said.
“We’ll keep challenging him and pushing him. That goes for everyone in the youth program.”
While remaining optimistic ahead of the upcoming season, Robinson is aware there will be a learning curve for his less-experienced players.
“We’ve got young boys who have never played at the senior NPL level. Everyone is different; some develop quickly, some won’t,” said Robinson.
“You hope that the guys who have played in the NPL previously will take those experiences on board and be a bit more adaptable and quicker.”
Brisbane Roar FC PS4 National Premier Leagues QLD 2017 Senior Men’s Squad.
|
BRFC Squad |
First Name |
Surname |
|
1 |
Tomislav |
Bilic |
|
2 |
Dane |
Ingham |
|
3 |
Cameron |
Crestani |
|
4 |
Kye |
Rowles |
|
5 |
Connor |
O’Toole |
|
6 |
Joe |
Caletti |
|
7 |
Daniel |
Leck |
|
8 |
Adam |
Sawyer |
|
9 |
Nicholas |
D’Agostino |
|
10 |
Nicholas |
Panetta |
|
11 |
Finn |
Beakhurst |
|
12 |
Oliver |
Duncan |
|
13 |
|
|
|
14 |
Aaron |
Reardon |
|
15 |
Lloyd |
Cabilan |
|
16 |
Danny |
Driver |
|
17 |
Kye |
Bolton |
|
18 |
Rahmat |
Akbari |
|
19 |
Nathan |
Yoon |
|
20 |
Macklin |
Freke |
|
21 |
Callum |
Harris |
