After a long pre-season, the wait is finally over. NPL NSW kicks off for the Central Coast Mariners this afternoon, as both our Under 20’s and First Grade team’s play host to Sydney United 58 at Pluim Park.
With the main event kicking off at 5pm, a number of new faces will don the Mariners Academy jersey for the first time. The exciting group filled with some of Australia’s brightest footballing talent will take on the very best of the NPL NSW competition, gaining valuable experience as the look to break into our first team squad.
While packed with fresh faces, many Mariners fans will be familiar with some of the names on our 2024 squad list.
Central Coast Mariners scholars including Bailey Brandtman, Nicholas Duarte and goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen are all included, as well as 19-year-old Young Socceroo Jack Warshawsky who is our reserve Isuzu UTE A-League goalkeeper.
Other players who have already had a experience with the first team include Matej Busek, who was on the bench for our dramatic Unite Round draw with Melbourne Victory, Andre Parkes, who has featured in numerous 20-player squads this season and Cher Deng, who was named on the bench for last Tuesday’s AFC Cup Zonal Semi-Final victory.
Sasha Kuzevski is also in the squad, with the youngster, who has eight Isuzu UTE A-League appearances, nearing his return from a serious knee injury suffered in the NPL competition last season.
Lucas Vilela takes the reins of our first team squad, with long-time Mariner Josh Rose taking charge of our under 20’s team.
First up this season is a tough test against Sydney United 58, who are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2023 season. Finishing just two places above the Mariners in 10th place, they will prove to be a tough opponent when they touch down at Pluim Park this afternoon.
There are a couple of familiar names in their squad for Mariners fans, including former Academy members Aidan Milicevic and Marco Arambasic, as well as former A-League player Matt Hatch.
Join us at Pluim Park from 3pm this afternoon to watch the next generation of Central Coast Mariners stars, or tune into Football NSW on YouTube to watch the first grade live-stream at 5pm.
2024 Mariners NPL Squad
Jai Ajanovic, Agieg Aluk, Amponsah Antwi, Bailey Brandtman, Matej Busek, Freddie Clunas, Arthur De Lima, Ethan Debono, Cher Deng, Nicholas Duarte, Alexander Gountounas, Adam Hall, Taye Hedley, Ahmad El Helou, Harvey James, Sasha Kuzevski, Harry Menham, Yani Nassis, Donatien Niyonkuru, Andre Parkes, Michael Paragalli, Dylan Peraic-Cullen, Jude Rankin, William Rankin, Angus Reid, Lucas Scicluna, Jordan Small, Rocco Smith, Luka Smyth, Prayaag Thapa, Adil Toska, Jacob Tresoglavic, Daniel Vickers, Jack Warshawsky, Parker Williams
1st Grade Coach: Lucas Vilela
U20 Coach: Josh Rose
