Fury duo for Roar v Palace

SHANE Stefanutto isn’t a stranger to the stifling heat of the north.

Born in Cairns, Stefanutto was a member of the North Queensland Fury squad in the club’s first year in the ALeague during a period of his career he also donned the green and gold.

Following his lone season with the Fury, Stefanutto had a long and successful stint with Brisbane Roar before the nononsense defender moved into off field work with the club.

This July Stefanutto, the Roar’s football director, will return to Townsville with Brisbane when the side lock horns with English Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.

The Roar will have a strong Fury flavour on July 11, with both Stefanutto and coach Robbie Fowler members of the inaugural side.

Stefanutto has, however, ruled himself out of making a guest appearance for old times’ sake.

“I think Robbie might, I hung them up a long time ago and have no interest (laughs),” Stefanutto said. “I must admit that Robbie’s still in good form on the training field some days.

“A lot of people do ask me if I miss playing football, and normally it’s a straight out no.

“But when someone like a Crystal Palace or a West Ham United come to town you have to think for a couple of seconds before you make that answer.”

Stefanutto said the Roar took their role as Queensland’s A-League representative seriously and they strove to create a connection with the regions.

“I understand from my time here in Townsville there’s a want and thirst for football,” he said. “There’s so many juniors playing out here so for us it’s part of our charter to come into communities and give back.

“I think they’ll (the players) enjoy coming up here to be honest.

“They’ll really enjoy this new stadium … it’s purpose built in my opinion for football and I know our boys will enjoy getting out there.”