Central Coast Mariners right-back Storm Roux has earned his way into the All-Whites squad set to face off against the Socceroos later this month.
The Kiwi has played 138 times over six seasons for the Mariners, with the defender returning to the Coast last year.
The selection comes off the back of a brilliant return season with the Central Coast Mariners, which saw him play 18 matches and score a goal in our final against Adelaide United.
The defender has 10 caps for the New Zealand men’s national side, with this call up marking his first since 2019.
Roux could not be more excited to be back in the New Zealand set up, as the team prepares to celebrate 100 years since their first match against the Socceroos.
“I am buzzing to be back in the team after a couple of years out. It was my goal to get back into that New Zealand squad,” Roux said.
“It is even better playing against Australia; it’s the first time I have played them in a while. I am really looking forward to the game.”
The defender believes that his return to the Coast and the work of Mariners head-coach Nick Montgomery has been instrumental in his return to that All-Whites set up.
“It always helps coming back to somewhere that you are comfortable. The Central Coast is home for me,” he said.
“To come back and play under Monty helps a lot. He is a great coach, I definitely think it helped me out,”
For Montgomery, he believes that Roux’s return to the All-Whites setup is well deserved after a brilliant 2021/22 season.
“I am really pleased for Storm, really proud of him. We brought him in when he left Melbourne Victory after a couple of tough years. Knowing him as a person and as a player we brought him in because we know that he is a top player and he is a great guy,” Montgomery said.
“It shows what hard work and perseverance does and fantastic for him after a couple of years to get called back up into two games against the Socceroos. He has been superb in pre-season, the best that I have seen him. I think he is in a great condition to go to these national team games.”
Roux and the All-Whites side will come up against the Socceroos on Thursday 22nd September and Sunday 25th September, with the Australian squad to be announced on Wednesday.
