WHEN Central Coast takes to the field against Brisbane Roar in the first leg of the Hyundai A-League’s major semi-final this afternoon, one Mariners player especially will be flush with fans in the stands.
WHEN Central Coast takes to the field against Brisbane Roar in the first leg of the Hyundai A-League-s major semi-final this afternoon, one Mariners player especially will be flush with fans in the stands.
Humble Rockhampton-born flyer Joshua Rose always enjoys matches in his native state, with the games affording his family the opportunity to watch the wily left back live in action for the yellow and navy.
“I love going back to Queensland and playing,” Rose said following the teams- final session before heading north of the border.
“I-ve got a lot of family up there. I grew up in Queensland so I enjoy it, and a lot of them get (there) to see me play as well.”
Asked at the team dinner on Friday evening whether 59 – yes, 59! – tickets would be enough to accommodate the requests of his family and friends eager to see the player recently recognised in the PFA A-League Team of the Season in action, Rose could give a definitive response.
As if attempting to hurriedly add up the relatives and mates making the trip from Rockhampton to support him, Rose-s reply to Team Manager Rik Katte-s question didn-t look all too convincing.
Nevertheless, no matter the precise number of Rose aficionados that ultimately take their seat at Queensland-s premier football destination for the important and highly-anticipated clash, one thing that can be assured is that those that do will see yet another whole-hearted effort from the league-s best left sided defender.
“We-ve (Mariners & Roar) been the best two teams for the past two seasons,” he said. “We-ve created a great rivalry between us I think.
“Everyone knows that the sort of football they play is quality, so to come up against a team like that is a massive test and you wouldn-t want anyone else.”
“They-ve got a great record against us but we-ve got to forget about that, go there with the belief that we can win – which we do (have) – and take it to them.”
Brisbane Roar vs. Central Coast Mariners
Saturday 31 March, 2012 – Kick-off: 4:30pm (local); 5:30pm (AEDT)
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter! The official match hash-tag is #HALbriccm. Add #GoMariners to your tweets to support the team and #ALeagueFinals if you’ve got room!
Line-ups: Please click here to download your complimentary match team-sheet.
