FNQ football: FQPL players moves for 2024 season
The silly season has arrived and with it comes plenty of player movement in the Far North’s football landscape. One club in particular has made some big moves already. FIND OUT MORE >>
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The silly season has arrived and with it comes plenty of player movement in the Far North’s football landscape.
Bookmark this link for signing news throughout the off-season.
TAYLOR JOINS MARLIN COAST
A years-long friendship with new Marlin Coast coach Crios O’Hare has helped the club secure another major signing for the 2024 FQPL Far North competition with star striker Joshua Taylor joining the Rangers.
Taylor brings with him years of experience, with stints at Brisbane Roar NYL, Brisbane Strikers, Sunshine Coast Fire, and Cairns FC in his impressive football journey.
He partnered O’Hare up front for the Tigers in their run of 12 major trophies in five years, and that partnership will remain intact in 2024 - just in a different jersey and training ground.
It was a fairly simple decision for Taylor to follow a man he regards as one of his closest friends to Trinity Beach, extending their partnership of about six years.
“Pretty easy when you look at Crios’s coaching record,” Taylor said.
“We did 12 trophies in five years, and we’re good friends as well so that makes it even easier.
“It’s sad we’re going but it’s a new chapter, and it’s very exciting we have a core group who’s come across.
“I didn’t know Crios before Cairns FC but we hit it off when we got there. It’s been a good, successful six years.”
Taylor, who is a coach at Cairns State High’s football excellence program and is a Peninsula representative coach, will flex some of his coaching muscle on top of his playing commitments.
As a coach, he’ll be keen to keep developing some of the region’s wave of impressive juniors coming through the system.
As a player, his focus is to win.
“Trophies are the most important thing, that’s always the goal no matter where we go,” Taylor said.
“Team accolades are always way better because everyone is on board.
“Personally, I want to do well, score some goals, but going far in the Australia Cup, win the league and Crad Evans, and get other boys involved in that as it’s a great thing to be part of.
“Half my (school) boys play at Coast.
“There was always good banter when I played at Edge Hill but it will make it easier to keep an eye on them and how they’re progressing at club land and not just at school.”
Taylor is the latest in a string of Edge Hill United players to follow O’Hare to Pennell Field, with playing assistant coach Charlie Beverley and young gun Oliver Berry having already been announced.
O’Hare said he looked forward to continuing their impressive partnership.
“I’m really happy to be able to continue working with JT at Marlin Coast,” O’Hare said.
“He has proven his quality over a number of years and the younger guys will learn from his experience in the game.
“His versatility will be a great asset for us.”
GOWEID, BERRY, COMMIT TO MCR
The new era at Marlin Coast is quickly taking shape as the FQ Far North and Gulf club locked in two key pieces for its first season under the returning Crios O’Hare.
Talented midfielder Tony Goweid and teen defender Oliver Berry have joined a refreshed Rangers for their renewed assault on the 2024 competition.
Goweid last played for Marlin Coast in 2019, the year the Rangers lost the grand final to the O’Hare-led Edge Hill United 2-1, before making the move to star for MA Olympic in Townsville.
The Victorian, who has also played for Magpies Crusaders United, is coming off a knee injury and ready for a fresh start.
Berry is a dynamic defender known for his versatility and reliability and follows O’Hare and playing assistant coach Charlie Beverley in the move from Tiger Park to Pennell Field.
A Queensland schoolboys representative, Berry has already won 10 trophies in his four years as part of O’Hare’s Edge Hill United first team despite being just 18 years old.
“I’m incredibly excited to join Marlin Coast Rangers and take the next step in my football career,” Berry said.
“The opportunity to continue to learn from experienced players and coaches like Crios and Charlie is really important to me.
“I’m ready to give my all on the field for Marlin Coast.”
O’Hare said they were key additions.
“I remember playing against Tony when he was at Marlin Coast a few years ago, and also when he played in Townsville and he has always impressed me,” O’Hare said.
“He’s a natural playmaker, and has real class in and around the box. I’m really looking forward to working with him. We are thrilled to have Oliver on board.
“His versatility and commitment make him a key addition to our squad as we build for a strong and competitive 2024 season.”
O’Hare finished five seasons at Edge Hill United by winning the Crad Evans Shield, his 12th trophy in a run in which his team won 88 per cent of regular season games, and will enjoy a fresh start at the first Far North Queensland club he called home a decade ago.
matthew.mcinerney1@news.com.au
Originally published as FNQ football: FQPL players moves for 2024 season
Arrest video: Rider busted with gun and cash after prang
A man who broke his leg after crashing into a car while on the run from police with a backpack full of cash and a gun then attempted to steal the damaged vehicle before being arrested.
Solomon Islands police officer found not guilty of rape
A jury tasked with determining if a Solomon Islands police officer raped a woman at a Cairns hotel in 2022 has returned a verdict after deliberating for an hour on Friday.