Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Alberto Perez/Football Queensland

The final 18 man PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 Select squad to face Brisbane Roar has been confirmed ahead of Saturday’s match at Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre.

Three shadow players have been promoted into the match day squad following the forced withdrawal of Brisbane Strikers trio Jake Marshall, Luke Marsh and Fraser Hills.

The Strikers players will instead join their club in Sydney as they face off against Sydney United 58 in the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Finals Series Semi-Final on Sunday.

Redlands United’s PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2016 Grand Final winning duo Kai Halliday and Grant Brix come into the squad, while Brisbane City attacking midfielder Samuel Sibatuara also steps in.

The changes see Brisbane City now lead the number of selections with five players in the match, closely followed by Gold Coast City with four players.

Redlands United, Moreton Bay United and Western Pride each contribute two players, while Sunshine Coast FC, Olympic FC and FNQ FC Heat each contribute one player.

PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 Select coach Grae Piddick, from Gold Coast City, said he believes the squad is motivated to put their best foot forward against the three-time Hyundai A-League Champions despite their youth.

“We have a plan to beat the Roar but obviously we are going to have to execute it very well on the day,” Piddick explained.

“It’s an under 23 side in name but most of our squad are actually 21 or younger, so they are very young but they are also very enthusiastic.”

“They’re going to give it their best and give it a good crack.

The Under 23 Select team have been training twice a week for the past three weeks, which included a practice match against Brisbane Strikers, and will have their final training run on Thursday this week.

However, Piddick said he was under no illusions that the team will need to be at their best to compete with the three-time Hyundai A-League Champions.

"We’re not going into the game trying to defend the whole time," he stressed.

"The players know they need to be positive in their actions with the ball and without. We’ve stressed they need to be brave and, if they are going to make a mistake, then at least do it in a positive fashion.”

Piddick added the biggest obstacle for his young charges will be matching the fitness levels of the Roar's stable of stars which includes two-time Johnny Warren Medallist Thomas Broich and past and present Socceroos Matt McKay, Tommy Oar, Jade North, Brett Holman and Jamie Maclaren.

“The biggest challenge is going to be the physicality of the game because Roar are building and lifting for their season while most of our players haven’t played a full competitive match in a month,” Piddick suggested.

“The longer it goes the harder it is going to be for our guys but if we get off to a good start then hopefully that will give us some confidence to build through the match.”

“I’ve been happy with how they have played in training and there’s definitely enough combinations there to gel as a team.”

PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 Select v Brisbane Roar FC
Saturday, September 24 | 3:00PM
Queensland Sport & Athletics Centre, Brisbane

Admission is FREE

PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 Select Squad

1. Shane VIITAKANGAS (Gold Coast City FC), 2. Benjamin LYVIDIKOS (Gold Coast City FC), 3. Kai SMITH (Brisbane City FC), 4. Kai HALLIDAY (Redlands United FC), 5. Grant BRIX (Redlands United FC), 6. Luke PAVLOU (Brisbane City FC), 7. Sam CRONIN (Olympic FC), 8. Benjamin LITFIN (Gold Coast City FC), 9. Joseph DUCKWORTH (Western Pride FC), 10. Mitchell HORE (Brisbane City FC), 11. Finn BEAKHURST (Moreton Bay United FC), 12. Scott HALLIDAY (Brisbane City FC), 13. Matthew CAPELO (Moreton Bay United FC), 14. Cameron NUCIFORA (FNQ FC Heat), 15. Jaiden WALKER (Gold Coast City FC), 16. Samuel SIBATUARA (Brisbane City FC), 17. Bonventure THOMAS-REMIJO (Western Pride FC), 18. Samuel NICKOLLS (Sunshine Coast FC)