Sydney Tigers pushing for top five finish

The Tigers, who will have one of Australia?s greatest football talents Paul Okon as coach for the opening part of the season, performed admirably in an exceptional run home under former coach John Romeo were ‘pipped’ at the line by Sydney United in 2008.
The bulk of that squad remains the same, though the biggest losses remain goalkeeper Matthew Nash and last season?s Golden Boot winner Robert Younis; both players having progressed to the A-League.
To the Tigers credit the team has recruited well; The goalkeeping reigns have been handed to a more than capable replacement in former Sutherland Sharks shot-stopper Phillip Zabaks who has joined the club.
Marshaled at the back by captain Michael Galluzzo, much strength has been added in the midfield with the arrival of former Sydney Olympic duo, brothers, Marino and Carlo Musumeci, along with former Sutherland speedster Shane Lyons.
Youngster Jason Trifiro promises to be a talented addition to the club, with the skillful midfielder?s first assignment at the club an important role in the Under 20s participation at the Viareggio International Youth tournament in Italy.
In attack, Franco Parisi will again carry the weight of expectation going forward, though the addition of goal-poaching midfielder Michael Hawrysiuk promises to facilitate with the scoring as well as Newcastle born midfielder Mitchell Johnson.
Sydney Tigers 2009: Giancarlo Papaini, Mark Byrnes, Michael Galluzzo, Daniel Clifford, Stephen Kayes, John Kelso, Simon Ryan, Franco Parisi, Phillip Zabaks, Shane Lyons, Carlo Musumeci, Marino Musumeci, Jason Trifiro, Daine Merrin, Mitchell Johnson, Danial Cummins, Michael Hawrysiuk, Michael West, Jamie McMaster