North Queensland veterans eagerly await English team Fury flavour for clash
SHANE Stefanutto isn’t a stranger to the stifling heat of the North.
In fact, the Brisbane Roar football director was raised in it.
Born in Cairns, Stefanutto was a member of the North Queensland Fury squad in the club’s first year in the A-league during a period of his career when he also donned the green and gold.
Following his lone season with the Fury, Stefanutto had a long and successful stint with the Roar before the no-nonsense defender moved into off-field work with the club.
This July, Stefanutto will return to Townsville with Brisbane when the side locks horns with English Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.
The Roar will have a strong Fury flavour on July 11, with Stefanutto and coach Robbie Fowler members of the inaugural side.
Stefanutto, however, ruled himself out of making a guest appearance for old times’ sake.
“I think Robbie might, I hung them (boots) up a long time ago and have no interest,” Stefanutto laughed.
“I must admit 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 lone 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.”
With the Roar-palace fixture expected to draw a crowd in excess of 20,000, Stefanutto didn’t rule out Brisbane bringing a regular season match to the city in the future.
“That was in the back of my mind … but they’re probably decisions our club needs to make, our CEO needs to make, the FFA needs to make.
“In the past we’ve played games in Cairns so therefore there is that possibility if there’s stadium unavailability or anything like that which comes up to bring a game to a wonderful stadium like this.”
Happily in retirement, Stefanutto can’t wait to watch the Queensland Champions Cup unfold in Townsville, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
“There’ll be a trophy on the line and I’m sure it will be very competitive. Our players will want to test themselves against some of the best Premier League footballers.
“I think they’re (Crystal Palace) going to want to take it really serious, they’re not going to come halfway around the world and just come here for a holiday.”