Coomera sign former A-League star Henrique for next two Gold Coast Premier League seasons

COOMERA have pulled off one of the biggest recruitment coups in Gold Coast Premier League history with the signing of a five-time A-League trophy winner.

COOMERA have pulled off one of the biggest recruitment coups in Gold Coast Premier League history with the signing of three-time A-League grand final winner Henrique.

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A member of the Brisbane Roar sides that won two Premier’s Plates and three championships between 2010-14, the 34-year-old Brazilian will link up with the Colts on a two-year deal and will also spend time coaching the club’s juniors.

Coomera coach Steve Macdonald described the addition of Henrique, whose 181-game A-League career came to an end earlier this year due to a knee injury, as “a massive coup for the club”.

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“I think it would have to be up there with one of the biggest signings (in Premier League history),” Macdonald, who guided the Colts to this year’s preliminary final.

“It opens up so many doors for us going into next season. We’re hoping that it attracts a lot of outside interest as well and it attracts players down who want to play with guys of that calibre.

Coomera coach Steve MacDonald with new signing Henrique. Picture: Jason O'Brien

“He’ll play up front. That’s what we’re hoping for (that he brings some skill and experience). He’s played at the highest level possible in this country and been coached by some of the best coaches so we’re hoping he can bring some of that to the club.

“I said to the club that I’m happy where I am, as long as there is ambition (I’ll stay on as coach). I think next season will determine where we go as a club over the next five or six years so this signing is a huge statement.”

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Nicknamed “the slippery fish”, Henrique arrived at the Roar from Brazil in 2009, scoring 39 goals in a 136-game stint in which he was largely deployed as a bench weapon.

He then spent time with Adelaide United and in Thailand before returning to the Roar in 2018, making another 32 appearances before parting ways with the club for the final time earlier this year.

It is understood Coomera vice presidents Tony Roach and Dean Humphreys, with the support of major sponsor Village Roadshow, were instrumental in bringing the diminutive attacker to the club.

“He’s been out with this (knee) injury so I think he’s just looking forward to playing again. He seems like a really nice guy,” Macdonald said.

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“He just seems real down to earth. He doesn’t want to be treated liked a superstar, he just wants to be treated like the rest of the boys.

“I think he’s just really excited to get back playing. It’s a massive coup for the club. It’s exciting times.”