The Mariners averaged crowds of 8,111 during last season’s record-breaking wooden spoon campaign but with renewed optimism under Okon, the new coach has called for parochial support.

“I hope to see a wall of yellow,” Okon said. “Whether that be shirts or scarfs and a little bit of noise.

“We want this place to be as intimidating as possible.

“It’s important when you play at home opposition teams, when they come here, realize it’s a difficult place to come and get points.

“Hopefully that’s the scenario and scene we can create here.”

Okon acknowledged Roar carried a serious threat but was delighted to welcome back Portuguese winger Fabio Ferreira.

The Mariners coach is yet to decide whether to start Ferreira or to stick with impressive 18-year-old Trent Buhagiar on the right flank.

“Trent has done a great job,” Okon said. “Whether Fab starts or Trent starts, as a coach you want to have those luxuries and those options.

“If Fab does start, I assume he wont be able to play the whole game and we want to protect him a bit, it might be a pass the baton, the last 30 for Trent.

“If you’re a left full-back for the last 30 you wouldn’t want Trent coming in and running at you with that sort of speed.”