Phoenix rookie swaps allegiance
Gianni Stensness had best learn New Zealand’s 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.
While his father was born here, 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.
‘‘There were no promises, you’ve got to work your way into these teams, but he told me there was a chance and that’s all I got at the start,’’ the 20-year-old said.
After some impressive performances for the reserves, Stensness finally got his opportunity when Dylan Fox suffered a season-ending injury last month. Stensness 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 lining up for 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.’’
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. If I impress in the national team set-up then I’m more likely to impress the Phoenix and vice versa,’’ he said.
‘‘When it came to New Zealand versus Australia, particularly in rugby union because my dad is a big fan of them and they’re obviously the best in the world, I would always go for the All Blacks over the Wallabies.
‘‘There was always a bit of a love for New Zealand and it’s funny how it worked out with certain connections between coaches and I ended up over here because I never thought it’d end up like that but that’s how it goes and I’m in a good position now and I’m stoked about it.’’
The fourth-placed Phoenix return against Newcastle Jets next Saturday. to action Herald Sun,
‘‘Being in the dressing room on game day is quite a different thing to being in the dressing room for training.’’ Gianni Stensness