Coplicks switch key to NPL rise of Gold Coast United, who host Olympic on Sunday

THEY have emerged as the NPL’s surprise packets over the opening seven rounds but Gold Coast United coach Kristian Rees says his side’s ascension began much earlier.

THEY have emerged as the NPL’s surprise packets over the opening seven rounds but Gold Coast United coach Kristian Rees says his side’s ascension began much earlier.

The Surfsiders continued their impressive start to life under Rees with a 1-1 draw against highly-fancied Gold Coast Knights on Saturday night, moving inside the top four after stretching their unbeaten run to five games.

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Having battled on and off-field issues en route to 10th place last season, their 2019 rise has coincided with a permanent move into Tallebudgera’s Coplick Family Sports Park in December.

Their debut NPL campaign was spent in rundown facilities at Robina Station Reserve and Rees said the importance of the Coplicks switch could not be overstated.

Gold Coast United coach Kristian Rees. Picture: Richard Gosling

“(The facility) is fantastic. I think a lot of the boys that were there (at United) last season were basing their decision on staying at the club around getting to Coplicks because the boys that I’d spoken to found it really hard at Robina and sharing a field with a rugby league club,” Rees, whose side will return to Coplicks for Sunday’s 4pm encounter with Olympic, said.

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“It made it really hard with training times and getting on the pitch. We really want to get that stability within the club and I speak a lot about culture with the boys and really developing that and having that go through the whole club.

“So the stability to build a real good culture within the club is vital for me. Having Coplicks, where the field is in really good condition and the lights are fantastic, is really important.

United midfielder Jason Campbell was named in the NPL Team of the Week, as was Knights defender Jaiden Walker. Picture: East End Digital

“Even though the clubhouse needs a bit of work, Council have been really supportive of the club and for me I’m grateful that I can be a part of it and build something good football-wise. Hopefully we can do well this year.”

The performances of United midfielder Jason Campbell and Knights defender Jaiden Walker in the Gold Coast derby were rewarded on Wednesday with selection in the NPL Team of the Week.

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Having dropped to third, the Knights will fight for their first win since Round 5 when they travel to Moreton Bay on Saturday at 6pm.

With last weekend’s game washed out, United’s women will return to action in the NPLW at home to Souths United at 2pm on Sunday.

In Round 5 of the Brisbane Women’s Premier League, Southport host UQ at 5pm on Sunday, with Coomera to travel to North Brisbane at the same time.

Broadbeach hosted Robina City last night.