Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Paul Smith/SWQ Thunder

They might be unknowns for some but that’s set to change for Northern Fury’s PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland U23 All-Stars contingent on Saturday.

Defender Ari Isman and attackers Sean Karambasis and Joe Thornton make up an equal-high three players for Fury in the squad to take on Brisbane Roar at QSAC.

Thornton and Isman both count overseas experience on their resumes but now have the chance to further enhance their reputations in Queensland.

Despite playing youth-level football against a number of famed Premier League outfits, 20-year-old winger Thornton looked ahead to the match as a career highlight to date.

"It’s probably the biggest honour I’ve been given as a player so far," the Leeds-born livewire said.

"I played full-time in England for two years with Bury FC and played against sides like United and Liverpool but to be named in an All-Stars side is a pretty big achievement for me.

"It’s exciting, I can’t really wait to be honest."

Thornton could link-up in attack with teenage striker Karambasis, while Isman will provide familiar insurance at the back.

The former Bradford City man said the support of familiar faces will aid the trio’s chances of making an impression.

"It always helps coming to things like these. I’ve done trial days before where I’ve not known one person and it makes hard to receive opportunities on the ball,” Thornton said.

"Knowing people on the park, and we’re rooming with some of the Cairns boys and getting to know them, it will help out."

Central-defender Isman will be particularly integral to keeping players on the same wavelength against Roar’s star-studded squad.

The 23-year-old, who has spent time in Spain’s lower leagues, is one of the more experienced selections and can expect to play an important role in steering the ship.

"I tend to organise everyone whether I’m put in charge or not. That’s just the way I play," Isman said.

"I enjoy barking orders and communicating from the backline, especially since you can see everything. Hopefully all the boys from the different teams can gel together well.

"It’s a good opportunity to put yourself out there in front of some of the biggest names in football in Australia and see what you can do."

The PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars are proudly sponsored by Soccer World.

Match Details:

PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars vs Brisbane Roar FC
Saturday, 19 September
Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC), Brisbane
Kick-off at 4:30PM

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Elimination Final
Moreton Bay United FC v Edgeworth Eagles FC
Saturday, 19 September 2015
QSAC, Brisbane
Kick-off at 7:30PM

Gates Open at 3:30PM

Admission: $10 Adults, $5 Concesssion, Under 5's FREE, FFA Registered Players Under 16 FREE

Both matches will be LIVE streamed at www.nplqld.com.au