Words: Emily Wilson

Sunshine Coast FC has signed three players from their highly successful Queensland State League years in their bid for a PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 Finals Series berth.

Centre back Rhys Roberts, attacking midfielder Kaine Frew and left-sided utility Ray Schultz all re-signed with Fire after playing for local club Caloundra FC in the Sunshine Coast Premier League in recent seasons.

Roberts featured in the Fire’s Under 19s Team between 2010 and 2012 while also making appearances for the Senior Men.

Schultz played the 2010 season with the Fire before departing for the local league in 2011.

Frew played for the Under 19s in 2010 and 2011 before moving to the senior side for two seasons before departing at the end of 2013.

Fire coach Paul Arnison said he was pleased to have re-signed the players who had gained experience and were ready to return to second-tier football.

“Rhys Roberts is a big, commanding centre back with a strong work ethic,” Arnison explained.

“He is a natural leader and that can be seen in pre-season training.”

“Ray is a versatile player who will put in the effort and be a great asset to the team this year, while Kaine is a good lad to have around with a great attitude in training - he can play anywhere across the front line and will be a very important part of the team.”

Schultz said the returning trio were now ready for the challenge of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues.

“I played a few years ago and I was a bit inexperienced at the time, but I’m now at the age where I want to give it a good go and test myself against the best in the state,” he explained.

“I want to be competitive this year and also enjoy my football; we have a great bunch of players in the team this year so it should be an enjoyable season.”

Frew echoed his teammate and explained he returned to Fire to get back into competitive football and training.

“My ambition this year is to play my part in making the Fire a successful team in our push for the finals,” he said.

Fire continue their pre-season preparations against Sunshine Coast Premier League outfit Maroochydore FC at A.J. Kelly Park in the Macron Cup this Saturday, January 31.