Cairns-bred Stefanutto will now be a certainty to play in round two against Gold Coast United after flying in from his old club Lyn Oslo in Norway to join his new team this week.

"Shane's a Socceroo and it's fantastic that the club has been able to attract him ... he'll provide some depth and stability at the back," Ferguson said.

"It's massive for the club - he brings experience from playing overseas in a high level of competition and Shane is the type of player who will play directly and move things forward rather than taking the momentum out of the game."

Ferguson said having an experienced Socceroo in the squad would provide some extra enthusiasm leading into Fury's clash with Gold Coast United.

"There were a few bumps in the last few weeks with players being ruled out injured, but we've now got two national team players in the squad with Shane and David Williams," Ferguson said.

"When you bring in a player of Shane's stature, it's good for morale and gives us the lift we're looking for.

"That's not me being too down on the result against Sydney FC - there were some negatives - but there were also a lot of positives and we'll work on all areas this week."

He added: "We've got some players to come back from injury who will be pressing for spots and it's going to be harder for any of the boys to get a start with the talent in the group and the commitment they're showing."

North Queensland Fury CEO Dean Hassall said the region's football fans now had another reason to be excited about the new season.

"Fury have always been about bringing something bigger to football fans in this region and I think the club can safely say we've done that already with the talent assembled and our marquee player Robbie Fowler," Hassall said.

"Shane is another player who people will want to come and watch and being a North Queensland product is an added bonus.

"The club is committed to developing a pathway for north Queensland players to make their way into the Hyundai A-League and having a former Cairns player who's now with the Qantas Socceroos is a great start.

"The club will continue to target local talent and when our National Youth League program is up and running, our focus for this team will be the North Queensland region."