Fate pits Cairns FC against Sky Blues
FOOTBALL AS a child growing up in Mareeba, Cairns FC defender Shaun Owens looked up to all the Far North footballing exports on the world stage.
Zenon Caravella, Michael Thwaite, Wayne Srhoj and Steve Corica were all names Owens, and many other footballers from the region, aspired to be like.
It will all come full circle for Corica late this month as the brand new Sydney FC boss is set for a homecoming match, of sorts, at Barlow Park after the Sky Blues of the A-League were drawn to face Cairns FC in the final 16 of the FFA Cup late on Tuesday evening.
New Sydney coach Corica was born and raised in Innisfail, just south of Cairns, and his nephew Harry is making his way with the Far North club this season.
Owens grew up idolising Corica, who was capped 32 times for Australia, and says it will be a special occasion to play against the club the 45year-old manages.
“That is the magic of the Cup that is available for local players to be able to play against guys you would have never expected to be on the same park with,” Owens said.
“You watch these guys on the TV and us local Cairns guys now get an opportunity to play against them — it is pretty special.
“I did follow Steve growing up and the Corica’s are heavily involved in the local league as well through Innisfail.
“Corica is a name you know in local football.
“It is going to be great to experience that.”
The younger Corica, Harry, has been a spark off the bench for much of the NPL season and is set to play a key role against Sydney.
Long-time assistant and Innisfail product Corica has taken charge of the A-League heavyweights after Graham Arnold’s departure at the end of last season, and saw his side stage a big fightback against Rockdale City to secure a final 16 spot.
Cairns FC boss Danny Graystone had toyed with the idea of playing a fellow NPL club in the Round of 16, to better their chances of advancing, but taking on the premiers of the A-League is an opportunity the club has been waiting almost a decade for.
“It is a dream come true for everyone,” Graystone said.
“We had a joke about it the other day, saying that if we did not get an NPL club, we would love to get Sydney FC here.
“The connection and ties Sydney FC have to the region, through the Corica’s and also being the best team in Australia at the minute.
“It is important to bring a team like this to the region.”
The next round of FFA Cup matches will be held on two nights over two weeks in late August, with dates and times to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, Cairns-born rising football star Marco Jankovic put Bentleigh Greens in front with a header from a corner kick to beat Wellington Phoenix 1-0 on Tuesday. * Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets * Avondale FC (VIC) v Devonport Strikers (TAS) * Adelaide Comets (SA) v Heidelberg United (VIC) * Broadmeadow Magic (NSW) v Bentleigh Greens (VIC) * APIA Leichhardt Tigers (NSW) v Melbourne Victory * Lions FC (QLD) v Adelaide United * Cairns FC (QLD) v Sydney FC * Bonnyrigg White Eagles (NSW) v Western Sydney Wanderers