Words: Michael Flynn, Football Queensland
Image: Emily Wilson, Sunshine Coast Fire

Sunshine Coast Fire defender Brock Messenger has received just reward for an outstanding start to his NPL Queensland season with selection in the New Zealand Under 20’s squad for next month’s tour of China.

Messenger has been an integral part of Fire’s first team this year, starting all ten of the club’s fixtures in addition to scoring his first NPL Queensland goal against Redlands United in Round 7.

The 18-year-old right fullback expressed his delight at his selection for the tour which will see the squad face China, Brazil and Croatia.

“It’s awesome. I’ve been aiming to get into the squad for the last two or three years,” Messenger said.

“It’s a big honour and a big privilege as well and I will keep working hard at it and see where it takes me from there.”

Messenger, who hails from the New Zealand capital of Auckland, played his junior football with Albany United before moving to East Coast Bays. He also played for the New Zealand Under 20 development team, known as Wanderers, in New Zealand’s top tier ASB Premiership competition.

He explained that NPL Queensland offered a more technical brand of football than what was on offer in New Zealand.

“It’s quite different playing over here than what it was playing back home. The NPL is quite a strong league compared to the leagues I played in New Zealand.”

“My coaches back in New Zealand know that I’m playing regular football in this league and it has helped my chances of getting in.”

“There’s a lot of ex-A-League players and a lot of young players, like Brisbane Roar youth team, some of them have played in the A-League, so the quality and the standard is better. Playing against better players makes you a better player as well.”

Messenger is grateful for the guidance of Fire head coach Kevin A’herne-Evans, who represented Wales at Under-21 level as well as playing with Cardiff City and Leeds United in the United Kingdom.

“He’s helped me a lot because he used to be a right back as well, so he’s given me little tips along the way,” Messenger said.

“It’s good having someone that’s actually been through the system as well in youth teams and professional environments. He’s a good listener as well.”

A’herne-Evans praised Messenger’s work ethic and consistency, going so far as to describe him as the “best fullback in the competition”.

“To think that he’s only 18, the level of his defending and his ability to counter attack is phenomenal,” he said.

“He has a terrific attitude and a desire to compete and be effective in games. He’s a bit of a throwback in that he prides himself on that ‘one-v-one’ battle against the wingers.”

Messenger said his ambition was to further his development in the National Premier Leagues and play at the highest level possible.

“I would be really happy to play A-League and go on from there and eventually go on to Europe. I just want to make it my full-time job and to get paid to play would be unbelievable.”

However, Messenger remains content at the moment enjoying the Queensland lifestyle on the Sunshine Coast.

“I really like Queensland. I’m a bit of a surfer so I like the waves and getting out on the boat for a bit of fishing,” he said.