RATHER than make a low-profile debut against a QSL side, North Queensland Fury will take to the park for the first time in an international friendly against Singapore's Tampines Rovers.
Australian FIFA match agent Lou Sticca, responsible for organising the one-off friendly, hit the nail on the head when he said: ''North Queensland Fury weren't content with a simple local pre-season. Why would you when you have a Liverpool icon like Robbie Fowler on your books?''
As expected Robbie Fowler represents the huge drawcard for the friendly, so much so that many Singapore locals will likely be asking ''North Queensland who?'' come May 31.
Not that it will matter to Ian Ferguson and his squad though, all of which who will be keen to finally wear the green and white of NQ Fury on the pitch. Those particularly eager to impress coach Ian Ferguson will be trialists Osama Malik, Kieran Gonzalez and Ramone Close, with Ferguson confirming the latter two will be making the trip to Singapore.
"They're definitely coming with us, Ramone's coming with us, he's one that quite excites us right now, he's been doing really well for us," Ferguson told the media yesterday.
The much anticipated clash between North Queensland Fury and S-League side Tampines Rovers will be the first hit-out for the A-League newcomers, with contracted players given the chance to show fans why Ian Ferguson put faith in them.
Perhaps more importantly, they will also get the chance to stake their claim for a spot in the starting line-up. Every player will get that chance according to Ferguson, after he admitted no one player was likely to play the full 90 minutes.
"There'll be a little bit of a mixture, there's some of the younger kids that are in and obviously some of the experienced ones," he explained. "I'll have to mix it up a little bit because it's our first game and I don't want to give anybody 90 minutes."
The outcome of the match will matter very little to most, especially as many key players are expected to play no part, which potentially means no Scott Wilson, Felipe, Jacob Timpano, Daniel McBreen and Marton Vass. Also in doubt is star attraction Robbie Fowler, currently in England sorting out personal affairs, who is struggling with a groin strain.
"Until we see him in Singapore we can't say (If he will take the field), we'll basically be looking at him when he gets over," Strength and Conditioning Coach Alan McCall said.
Should Fowler's lingering injury be reported in Singapore, its possible news of a slump in ticket sales could emerge heading into the final days before the match. This would be a shame considering the stadium hosting the friendly Jalan Besar Stadium, only holds 6000 spectators and anything less then a sellout would be viewed as a disappointment.
Perhaps in light of Robbie Fowler's injury, a late and mystifying inclusion to the squad is 30-year-old Gary Wales, formerly of Scottish sides Hearts and Kilmarnock. The striker, who hopes to land a contract with an A-League club, was recommended to Ian Ferguson by his former Rangers teammate Dave McPherson. NQ Fury have already signed their five visa players making it impossible for Ferguson to sign Wales.
Another surprise addition to the squad is Daniel McBreen, who only recently arrived in Townsville after fulfilling duties with former club York City. The 32-year-old though, is just happy to take any game time that comes his way, no matter how long he's on the park.
"40 to 45 minutes in the heat over there could be a bit of a killer for me but I've got to get used to that. You don't want to be sitting on the sidelines, you want to get involved straight away," McBreen said.
"The gaffer says he's going to ease me into it. Once we get back from Singapore he might provide some sessions to get used to the heat and stuff."
Despite there looking like little hype surrounding the match in Singapore and not even a mention of the game on Tampines Rovers official website, this North Queensland Fury fan could care less, with Fury players finally having the chance to live up to the club's official motto - "Fury, In Our Nature, In Our Game."
Possible Lineup:
*North Queensland Fury: Justin Pasfield, Paul Kohler, Bea Busch, Chris Tadrosse, Ufuk Talay, Chris Grossman, Osama Malik, Ramone Close, Jason Spangulo, Brendan Santalab, Daniel McBreen
*Squad for Singapore friendly has yet to be released.
Prediction: Away win
