To see yesterday's trial match...

Central Coast Mariners departed for Shanghai today, where they will continue preparations for the clubs maiden ACL campaign.

Eighteen players, including new signings Shane Huke, Adam Kwasnik and Nick Rizzo, were due to jet off and while in China, the Mariners will be hosted by Chinese Super League clubs Jiangsu Sainty and Shandong Luneng on Saturday and then Tuesday (March 3) respectively.

The coach says no-one is guaranteed a place in the team with places up for grabs as the club starts on a fresh challenge.

McKinna is looking forward to the club's first adventure into the ACL and is confident there will be no finals hangover to threaten their chances of success.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: "Last season is gone. No excuses now. Everybody is up for selection. A line has been drawn under last year. It's history and we have to look ahead."

As for the new boys McKinna said: "I think Huke is going to be a good acquisition. I'm quite happy with the way he, Nicky Rizzo and Kwas (Adam Kwasnik) are settling in. They're still finding their feet and Nicky and Kwas still need to get their fitness."

In the Mariners opening two trial games, McKinna has effectively fielded a different team in each half to give everyone a chance to stretch their legs and to try and impress.

However, he will now begin to start looking at settling on a first XI for the opening ACL clash against Pohang Steelers.

McKinna said: "We've got two games now (in China) where we can cement down a team to start against Pohang in two weeks.

"Fingers crossed, that goes all right."

To see yesterday's trial match...

To see yesterday's trial match...