Torres Strait Islander Sipi, 19, has played for the Hyundai QSL side North Queensland Razorbacks for the past two seasons after taking up the game at the age of five.

He switched to rugby league and winning grand finals with Tully Tigers in 2007 and 2008 but returned to the world game in 2008 and played for the Australian Schoolboys in a tour of  Japan and Korea.

The second eldest of nine children, Sipi is the first player Fury have signed directly from the local football scene.  Lorenzo naturally plays at right-back but is versatile and can also play in centre midfield.

“This is a great signing for the club on so many levels said Fury Football Operations Manager Robbie Middleby.

"Lorenzo is someone I’ve been following closely for over 12 months and we believe he has the potential to achieve great things with Fury.

“He has been training full-time with the squad for the past month and has really impressed both Franz and assistant Stuart McLaren with his attitude and aptitude. 

“Lorenzo is a strong player, who is fast and confident with the ball at his feet plus his versatility means he provides the coaches with further options this season.

“Fury have tried hard to recruit the best young local talent from within Queensland and around the country. 

"But our ultimate goal would be to see the best North Queensland talent representing Fury in the country’s premier football competition and Lorenzo Sipi is the first player we have signed direct from the local development system.

“A lot of time and investment has gone into football development throughout North Queensland over recent years and this signing is testament to the hard work and support shown by many at Townsville Football, Football Queensland and the NQ Razorbacks in producing players such as Lorenzo.”

After signing his first professional football contract, a very happy Sipi said: “I never ever thought I would be offered a contract to play A-League football, this is a dream come true for me and my entire family. 

"Townsville is my home and to be given the opportunity to play for my team, North Queensland Fury, it’s simply unbelievable.

“Having trained with the squad for the past month, I already know the standard of football played is far greater than I’ve ever experienced before and I look forward to having a long and successful career here at Fury.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the help of many people and I’d just like to thank the Townsville Football Association and the NQ Razorbacks for all the support they have given me over the years.”

Picture by Cameron Laird