Words: Michael Flynn, Football Queensland
Image: Palm Beach SC

Palm Beach Sharks are set to farewell midfielder Rhys Lambert tonight against Harimau Muda ‘A’ in his final appearance for the NPL Queensland league leaders.

Lambert, 20, is set to take his game across the Pacific next week after accepting a full scholarship with Montana State University.

He has been an integral member of the squad that sees Sharks sit top of the NPL Queensland standings, scoring twice in 15 appearances this season.

He will link up with Montana State University next week, meaning he will be unavailable for Sharks historic Westfield FFA Cup clash with Sydney City Hakaoh in August.

Sharks Technical Director Gary French said Lambert has the club’s blessing as he seeks to further his football education abroad.

"Rhys has helped the Palm Beach men's team get to the top of the league in NPL but he has wanted to study and play in the US for a number of years and now he has this fantastic opportunity in Montana and we are so pleased for him," French said.

Also heading for the United States college football system are four members of Sharks South East Queensland Women’s League side.

Amy Morland is set to head to Georgia Gwinett in Georgia, Harriet Withers and Nyomi Devine are leaving for Murray State in Kentucky, Ellie Papalexiou is departing for University of the Pacific in California.

"All of these girls are outstanding players and I believe they are some of the most talented players in Australia," French said.