Mudgeeraba to expand NPL Women’s player search to the Solomon Islands

NEW Mudgeeraba coach Ian Shaw will expand his NPL Women’s scouting search to the Solomon Islands this week as he looks to assemble a squad capable of competing with the state’s best.

NEW Mudgeeraba coach Ian Shaw will expand his NPL Women’s scouting search to the Solomon Islands this week as he looks to assemble a squad capable of competing with the state’s best.

Having taken the coaching reins from Dave Thompson, Shaw’s tenure at Sid Bigg Park officially began last week with the launch of pre-season training and he is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for an NPLW resurrection.

Following a horror debut season in which the Wallabies won just twice en route to the wooden spoon, Shaw will tap into his Pacific Island connections over the next two days in the search for new blood.

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The 59-year-old, a former technical director at Capital Football, spent six months as the FIFA-appointed chairman of the Solomon Islands Football Federation and believes they could provide a left-field solution to the club’s problems.

Mudgeeraba NPL Women's coach Ian Shaw.

“There’s some great talent over there. Obviously being a tough year for Mudgeeraba, I don’t think all the players are coming back so we’re looking around for players,” Shaw, a premiership-winning coach at Broadbeach and Palm Beach, said.

“I’m heading off to the Solomons (on Monday) to look for some players. We’ve put the women’s national team in a camp there so I’ll go over and we’ll do a bit of coaching, have a few games and hopefully identify a few players to bring back to Mudgeeraba.

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“Obviously being Pacific Islands, they’re lacking some things but as far as individuals and technical ability, I think they’re very good. They really bat above their weight.

“If I can pick up some players for Mudgeeraba in the NPL that would be fantastic. We’re trying to make a change there for Mudgeeraba and give people something to play for.”

Mudgeeraba's Jemima Lockley in action against SWQ Thunder this year. Picture: Kim Woodcock.

At least eight players from this year’s squad, including young guns Jemima Lockley and Shelby White, are expected to return for the 2019 campaign, with the club hoping to finalise the group by the end of the month.

Shaw said the Wallabies’ new partnership with Robina City had already added an extra dimension to training.

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“I think (the joint venture) is a good idea when we’re talking about the strength for women’s football. The Coast can actually develop 30-40 female players this year.

“It’s obviously building for everything they do in the next couple of NPL seasons but it’s a good start. I welcome any players to come down and have a look and test themselves.”

Mudgeeraba’s first trial is on January 16. For more, visit mudgeerabasoccer.com.