Phoenix rookie switches allegiance
Gianni Stensness best learn the national anthem.
The rookie Wellington Phoenix defender has switched allegiance to New Zealand and is hoping to represent his father’s country of birth at the upcoming Under-20 World Cup in Poland.
Stensness himself was born and raised in Australia and was even in contention for Young Socceroos selection as recently as last year. But he made the move across the ditch to pursue an opportunity with the Phoenix following a conversation between Mark Rudan and one of his Manly United coaches, Adam Griffiths, six months ago.
After some impressive performances for the reserves, Stensness, 20, finally got his opportunity when Dylan Fox suffered a season-ending injury last month. He made his A-League debut as a second half substitute in the Phoenix’s record 8-2 win over Central Coast Mariners two weeks ago and featured again off the bench in last weekend’s 3-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
‘‘I was training with the team quite a bit but being in the dressing room on game day is quite a different thing to being in the dressing room for training and getting out on the park with the boys, especially in front of people when their eyes are on you, it is a really different thing.
‘‘I’m really ecstatic about making my debut.’’
A product of the Central Coast academy system, Stensness said it was a special moment to make his A-League debut against the Mariners, particularly with some of his former team-mates in the opposition.
‘‘It was really cool because I was at Central Coast for two youth league seasons so it was interesting that I made my debut against them. I played with like three or four of them on the other team. I had a chat to them after the game but because I only got a few minutes they pulled me over for some running afterwards so it was cut short.’’
After an early taste of A-League action, Stensness said he is eager to stake his claim for a long-term Phoenix contract and to push for a place in New Zealand’s Under-20 World Cup squad. He recently attended a training camp in Auckland and remains right in the frame for selection.
‘‘There are more camps coming up and that is a real focus of mine; to make that World Cup squad and impress in that World Cup and represent New Zealand.’’
The fourth-placed Phoenix are currently enjoying a week off due to the international break. They return to action against Newcastle Jets next Saturday.