New signings ready for Thunder debuts
South West Queensland Thunder will put its star recruits straight into action next week.
Travis Cooper and Chris Hatfield will feature in the side’s Kappa Silver Boot pre-season competition opener despite having only a handful of training sessions with the NPL club.
Italian defender Federico Brusaca, who arrives in Australia today, will also lace-up his boots for the Thunder.
“They will all be part of the squad,” Thunder senior men’s manager Jason Hall said.
“It will take a few sessions and games for the team to gel but there’s a real positive atmosphere.
“Aside from a small break in December we’ve been training right through the off-season. The fitness is there and everyone is ready to go.”
Hall said the Thunder was expecting big things from their new trio.
“This is our fifth year in the NPL and we’ve always been a young side,” Hall said.
“Travis, Chris and Federico are young themselves but they bring plenty of experience and skill.
“Travis in particular is
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The fitness is there and everyone is ready to go.
— Jason Hall
really looking to make a mark this season.
“He’s eager to get out there, make himself known and help the team going forward.
“We think they all strengthen the team and provide real leadership.”
Equally pleasing for officials is the club’s culture.
“Quite a few players have been with us from the very beginning,” Hall said.
“They’re now in their 20s having joined the club as 16-year-olds.
“They’re all good mates and enjoy playing with and for each other.
“That bond and experience will only help the club especially now we have the added pressure of relegation in the league.”
OPPOSITION: The SWQ Thunder have drawn Holland Park Hawks, Ipswich Knights and Lions FC in their group. Each team plays each other once with the top team from each of the four groups advancing to the next round.