Stallions hoping for injuries to clear for opening clash

The clubs depth will be put to the test this year, with several key players departing the club after the disappointing grand final defeat at the hands of Sutherland last year.

“It’s been a hard pre-season to say the least,” coach Lee Sterrey said.

“We only have 15 first graders in the squad and a big turnover of players from last year.”

The Stallions of old were reborn in 2009 on the back of an attacking style of football, but with captain Nahuel Arrarte on the verge of securing a contract in the K-League (Korea) and Iraqi international Ali Abbas closer to extending his contract with the Newcastle Jets, finding the back of the net may be a tough assignment.

Arrarte’s departure leaves Sterrey with a tough decision to make in the next week, with the club captaincy appointment yet to be confirmed.

“Nahuel is a fantastic leader and the club supports him in his decision,” Sterrey said.

“I haven’t named a captain yet, but it’s a decision that I have to make in the next week.”
Midfielder Chris Nunes said the club had a lot of faith in its youth.

“There’s plenty of enthusiasm and energy in the team,” he said.

“But we have a good mix of youth and experience, which adds a lot to the squad.”
The club is still waiting on paperwork that will see more African players in the sky blue jersey.

The Stallions open their premiership campaign at home this Saturday night against the West Sydney Berries.

-By Michael Chammas