Newest Socceroos selections give A- League players confidence boost Jets pair earn Cup shot
THE A- League’s collective eyes will be fixed on new Socceroos call- ups Dimi Petratos and Andrew Nabbout, as a host of local counterparts aim for a late Russia 2018 push.
Foreign Socceroos coaches have rarely been A- League enthusiasts but Bert van Marwijk’s maiden camp fills locals with Russia 2018 hope.
Josh Brillante, Nabbout and Petratos impressed him during his first- hand account of ALeague action last month, while James Troisi ( Melbourne Victory) and Risdon ( Western Sydney) were retained, with Socceroos leaders Mark Milli- KARMICHAEL Hunt is free to play for the Queensland Reds but has been fined $ 10,000 after Rugby Australia completed its investigation into his arrest late last year.
It was found Hunt committed a “low- level breach” of RA’s player code of conduct, according to a statement from the governing body, which also issued him a four- match suspension.
But the 31- year- old has already served that ban, having voluntarily stood down from all rugby duties since the December 30 incident in Fortitude Valley. It means he is technically available for this weekend’s clash with the Stormers in Cape Town.
Hunt will also be placed on an illicit drug target testing program for 12 months and undergo any drug treatment and education programs deemed necessary by RA.
However, it remains unclear when – or even if – Hunt will return to training with the Reds.
Reports from overseas in recent weeks suggest the triplecode star has been shopped around to European rugby clubs and the Queensland Rugby Union is understood to be reluctant to welcome him back. Whether coach Brad Thorn, who has overseen a remarkable turnaround in Queensland’s fortunes this season, is eager to do so is another question entirely. gan and Tim Cahill only departing in recent months.
Van Marwijk conceded that the Jets’ 2- 0 win over Victory in Round 18 piqued his interest, triggering maiden call- ups for Petratos and Nabbout, who has since joined Japanese club Urawa Reds.
“I saw four games in Australia and I saw one interesting game, Newcastle game,” van Marwijk said.
“That’s why I nominated Nabbout and Petratos.
“I’m very curious how they perform ( in this camp).
“We saw almost all the players all over the world, live and on television.
“If I didn’t have the confi- dence, job.
“I can’t say if I’m more positive or less positive.”
If the A- League contingent excels in Norway and Colombia friendlies over the next eight days, it augurs well for others.
Rhys Williams ( Victory), Danny De Silva ( Central Coast), Daniel Arzani ( Melbourne City) and Alex Wilkinson ( Sydney FC) are pushing for late World Cup inclusion.
Last weekend’s action saw the tempo rise as finals draw near, and Jets coach Ernie Merrick said the A- League stacked up against top European competitions. I wouldn’t accept this
“There’s a lot of pride in getting two boys picked that have never been in the Socceroos squad,” Merrick said.
“I travel overseas ( regularly) and I think a number of A- League clubs could compete in Europe.
“Two or three ( A- League) teams could probably survive in the ( English) Premiership, up to four that could do well in the Championship and finish at the higher end of the Scottish Premiership.
“Scottish football has gone south.
“It’s a lot to do with the money and broadcasting revenues in countries like England, Germany, France even Italy.
“Leagues like Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and the Scandinavian ones are not what they used to be.”
Victory coach Kevin Muscat said technical naysayers had confused quality with metrics, amid a drop in crowds and TV ratings.
“It’s easy to down with all Muscat said.
“There’s been some good stuff, but it’s easy to get dragged down with all the cynical stuff.
“Every time a new manager comes in everyone feels like they’ve got equal opportunity.
“There has been some changes.” get the dragged metrics,”