Central Coast Mariners are delighted to announce that young duo Bailey Brandtman and Nicholas Duarte have signed two-year scholarship extensions with the club.
Brandtman (20) and Duarte (21) are both graduates of the Mariners Academy who first signed scholarships together in October 2023.
Despite injury difficulties in the last couple of years, the pair have gained experience in both the Isuzu UTE A-League and AFC competitions over the last two seasons. They are now fit and raring to go in 2025/26.
Duarte made his professional debut in the 2022/23 season, but last season proved to be a real breakout year for him as he made 12 first team appearances and scored his first goals for the club – away to Shanghai Port in the AFC Champions League Elite, and Auckland FC in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
“I’m grateful to keep calling the Central Coast home. I want to achieve more great things with this group, and repay Mark Jackson, Matt Simon and the club for their trust in me.” Duarte said.
Never Say Die 👊
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 16, 2025
The perfect time for Nico Duarte to score his first Isuzu UTE A-League goal! 🔥#CCMFC #RideTheWave🌊 pic.twitter.com/gBjVA7nsup
Brandtman was handed his first appearance for the club by Jackson in January 2024, whist his standout moments for the club so far came in the AFC Champions League Elite last season as he found the back of the net against Vissel Kobe and Shanghai Shenhua.
“I’m very happy to have re-signed at the Mariners, there is a lot of potential in this team, and I can’t wait to play my part in achieving that over the next two years.” Brandtman said.
What a time for Bailey Brandtman to score his first professional goal! 🔥
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) November 6, 2024
An incredible 95th minute strike from our 19-year-old Mariners Academy graduate to earn us a hard-fought point! 🎓#CCMFC #RideTheWave🌊 pic.twitter.com/TG4TZl11R2
After securing two promising young players to his squad for the 2025/26 season, Jacko said:
“I’m really pleased that we have been able to secure two young prospects in Bailey and Nico.”
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them and seeing their progress and development in the next two years.”
