Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Bree Reidy/Football Queensland

Western Pride’s Jesse Rigby will wear the captain’s armband for the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars against Brisbane Roar at QSAC.

The PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars face the three-time Hyundai A-League Champions this Saturday at QSAC in a curtain raiser to the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Finals Series clash between Moreton Bay United and Edgeworth Eagles.

The honour extends a break-out year for the 18-year-old midfielder, who also captained Pride through this year’s PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland regular season.

Originally hailing from Rockhampton where he played junior football with local club Frenchville, Rigby started in all 20 of his appearances for the Ipswich-based Pride in his first PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland senior campaign.

Palm Beach SC fullback Eoghan Murphy was also designated as vice-captain for the match.

Rigby said he was excited by the chance to lead the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland All-Stars on to the pitch against Roar and explained the team’s preparations were going well.

“The guys are getting along and the players are all getting along and getting to know each other,” Rigby said.

“They are all really good players and the main thing will be trying to work as a unit in the game.”

PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars coach Martin Docherty said with only a short amount of preparation for the side that every player needs to show leadership in their roles on the pitch.

“Jesse is the captain at Western Pride and has those natural leadership qualities that comes with that - he is a bit of a general in midfield,” Docherty explained.

“But in some ways they are all captains because they have to lead by example and make sure the simple things are done well against a team like the Roar.”

He added that communication in the backline will be crucial against Roar’s stable of attacking threats including Jamie Maclaren and Thomas Broich.

“I hope to see Eoghan as well as Ari Isman both showing leadership at the back so we maintain our shape and organisation,” Docherty said.

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