Central Coast Mariners have unveiled their Ninja A-League side’s first new recruits ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 season, accompanying ten recently-confirmed re-signings with the strength and talents of forward Skye Halmarick and defender Danika Matos.
Halmarick, 18, joins the Mariners off the back of her debut Ninja A-League Women season with Sydney FC, having arrived at the Sky Blues from NPL Women’s NSW club NWS Spirit in 2025 following a Golden Boot-winning campaign, finishing the 2025 NPL season with 23 goals and the competition’s Player of the Year award.
The forward remains part of the Australian Young Matildas programme, scoring four goals in a single half during a 14-0 win over Tajikistan at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, and finishing that international window with six goals across two matches.
During the resulting AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup tournament proper, Halmarick netted a brace in the opening match alongside now-Mariners teammate Peta Trimis who followed suit in the eventual 5-0 victory over Chinese Taipei, so the forward already has proven evident ability to link up with the players she’ll be surrounded by as she represents the yellow and navy of the Central Coast in 2026-27.
Matos, 26, swaps Western Sydney for the Central Coast having completed an admirable tenure at the Wanderers which saw her become the side’s all-time appearance leader in the Ninja A-League with 111 matches under her belt.
The versatile defender spent seven seasons at the Wanderers, predominantly playing as a right-back, and earned selection for the 2024 A-Leagues All Stars for their Marvel Stadium match-up against English giants Arsenal.
“We’re incredibly excited to have Skye and Danika be two of the first players joining the club this season” said Director of Women’s Football, Matteo Maiorana.
“Skye is a super talented striker who knows where the back of the net is, you give her a chance she will score”.
“Danika is experienced, but more importantly she is not only a good player, but a great person. Once Dean said Danika was available we moved very quickly to secure someone who he was very keen to have in the squad.”
“Both girls have bought into what we’re trying to do for the Coast community here since our very first phone calls, and we hold confidence that they will represent the Club and the region on and off the field proudly.”
Both players are set to link up with the Mariners’ squad on Tuesday 15 September as training commences ahead of the 2026-27 season, which begins away to Brisbane Roar on Saturday 17 October.
