Moreton Bay Jets defender Josh South will return to New Zealand on Sunday after his trial with A-League club Wellington Phoenix was interrupted by injury.

The 20 year old right full back returned to Queensland after injuring his groin while training with Phoenix in the New Zealand capital.

South joins a host of Moreton Bay players who have been selected for trials by A-League clubs – with the Brisbane Roar’s National Youth League coaches also running the rule over Jets’ promising youngsters in recent weeks.

South is touted as a future A-League prospect following a series of impressive performances for Jets this season in the NPL. He has made 12 appearances for Moreton Bay in the current campaign, scoring 3 goals for the finals aspirants, who currently sit seventh on the table.

Despite being a defender by trade, South displayed his highly-regarded versatility after he was deployed as a makeshift midfielder and striker this season as the Jets squad battled a heavy injury toll.

Earlier in the season, South was singled-out for praise by former Jets teammate Karl Dodd. The well-travelled former Phoenix defender saying last month, “There’s one player that I believe is A-League material and that’s Josh South.”

Dodd, who has since joined A-League club Newcastle Jets as strength and conditioning coach, explained that South had “everything going for him.”

“He’s 20 years of age, great attitude and a really good player and he’s definitely someone that has stood out by a mile, not just in our team, but in the NPL as a whole.”

Phoenix are reported to be scouting widely following the appointment of former Melbourne Victory grand final winning coach Ernie Merrick during the A-League off-season.

South previously plied his trade with North Pine and Peninsula Power before joining Moreton Bay Jets at the start of the NPL season.

The NPL elite player pathway is also providing opportunities for South’s Moreton Bay teammates.

Fellow Jets first teamers Matt Capelo and Mitchell Shuemack have recently trained with Brisbane Roar’s National Youth League squad. The pair were joined at Ballymore by 15 year old Emryn Donnelly-Fagan, who has scored 5 goals in 13 appearances for Jets in the NPL U16 Boys division.

Promising young goalkeeper Christian Smith also recently trained with the Roar youth team before departing for England for a series of trials.

Moreton Bay Jets continue their finals tilt this weekend when they travel to Borzi Park in Mareeba for a Round 18 match-up against the lower table FNQ FC Heat. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30pm.

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: Moreton Bay United Jets