Football NSW has officially announced the 16 players that will represent the NSW National Premier Leagues Men’s team against Queensland on Saturday 12th December at Perry Park.
Together with Football Queensland, Football NSW announced this exciting new initiative, and more recently confirmed that 2019 NPL NSW Men’s Coach of the Year, former Socceroo and Wollongong Wolves number one Luke Wilkshire would lead the team for the game in Brisbane.
The squad was chosen based on performances throughout the 2020 NPL NSW Men’s rebooted season and pleasingly all players accepted the honour immediately.
In working with Football NSW to finalise the squad, Wilkshire was eagerly anticipating the blockbuster clash against Ben Cahn’s strong Queensland outfit.
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“I truly believe that this is a fantastic and talented squad which I am really excited to work with.
“The players have deservedly been selected after being recognized for their performances throughout what has been a tough 2020 season.
“We look forward to ending the year off with a great entertaining and winning performance against our northern rivals Queensland.”
Delighted players were also looking forward to representing the NSW State with pride after winning selection into Wilkshire’s squad.
“It’s always great to be selected in a representative squad,” said Sydney United 58’s diminutive midfield maestro Glen Trifiro.
“I’ve had many NSW vs QLD battles as a youth player, they are always enjoyable matches.
“We are looking forward to giving a good account of ourselves and representing NSW to the best of our abilities with one thing in mind and that’s winning.”
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Blacktown City’s attacking speedster Leory Jennings echoed Trifiro’s sentiments stating that nothing but a victory against our rivals was on his mind.
“I’m very grateful and honoured to be given the opportunity to represent our state and play with a great group of top players in our competition. I can’t wait to go up there and get stuck into our rivals.”
While finally Wolves defensive lynchpin Taylor McDonald was honoured with his selection.
“It’s an absolute privilege to be involved with a quality group of players. I have no doubt we will be successful under Luke’s guidance and a challenge I am really looking forward to.”
Former Socceroo star Nathan Burns has accepted the role of Assistant Coach working under Wilkshire with the team set to be managed by Mark Stavroulakis of Football NSW.
The squad will now commence training using Football NSW’s Valentine Sports Park in preparation for the game before departing for Brisbane the morning of the match on the 12th of December.
The National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s team will be announced early next week, having suffered the withdrawal of many fine young players who have had to decline their selection either because of W-League commitments or being included in a Young Matildas National Team camp.
Football NSW National Premier Leagues Men’s 2020 Squad
| Name | 2020 Club |
| David BRADASEVIC | Rockdale Ilinden |
| Leroy JENNINGS | Blacktown City FC |
| Banri KANAIZUMI | Rockdale Ilinden |
| Guy KNIGHT | Wollongong Wolves |
| Charles LOKOLINGOY | Sydney Olympic |
| Taylor MCDONALD | Wollongong Wolves |
| Takeru OKADA | Wollongong Wolves |
| Yianni PERKATIS | Sydney United 58 |
| Chris PRICE | Wollongong Wolves |
| Matthew SIM | Sydney United 58 |
| Giorgio SPERANZA | Marconi Stallions |
| Glen TRIFIRO | Sydney United 58 |
| Alec UROSEVSKI | Rockdale Illinden |
| Nenad VEKIC | Marconi Stallions |
| Tomoki WADA | Rockdale Illinden |
| Tom WHITESIDE | Sydney Olympic |
| Luke WILKSHIRE | Head Coach |
| Nathan BURNS | Assistant Coach |
| Mark STAVROULAKIS | Team Manager |
Football Queensland Mens v Football NSW Mens
Venue: Perry Park, Bowen Hills, Brisbane
Date: Saturday 12th December
Kick-off: 7:00pm
Tickets: Click here to purchase Match Day Tickets
Broadcast: Live via NPL.TV as well as via the NPL.TV App for IOS and Android
