Football NSW has confirmed the coaching appointments of Wollongong Wolves’ Luke Wilkshire and Northern Tigers’ Jason Eagar to lead the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s and Women’s State Teams for the upcoming clash against their Queensland equivalents in Brisbane at Perry Park on the 12th December.
Football Queensland and Football NSW announced the reinvigoration of the ‘State v State’ series which will be an annual event held at alternate cities on a yearly basis.
Both coaches were invited to lead the State Teams following their successful achievements in 2019 when they each won the ‘Coach of the Year’ awards in their respective NPL NSW Competitions.
Football NSW has decided that each season’s winners of the NPL Coach of the Year categories will be invited to lead both the Men and Women NPL NSW State teams.
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Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge was delighted with both coaching appointments as NSW looked forward to the hugely anticipated clash against the Queenslanders.
“To have a former two-time World Cup Socceroo in Luke and someone as experienced and talented as Jason in charge of our respective two state teams for this exciting new venture is something we all should be very proud of.
“Pleasingly and to their credit, both had no hesitation in accepting these honorary roles.”
“I am confident that both teams are in good hands and we will give a good showing against our most northern neighbours and ‘State of Origin’ rivals.”
Wilkshire was thrilled upon receiving the call that he was set to be the Men’s NSW coach for the upcoming clash.
“It’s a huge honour and a great idea to have these interstate select squads recognizing the players and quality from each state and their performances throughout the season.
“It is also a great showcase for potential A-League players to be seen on a bigger stage such as this so I am sure the players selected will be playing at their very best to attract potential suitors.
“This definitely brings me back to my old schoolboy days, a fantastic initiative and one I am eagerly looking forward to with one eye on ensuring we get one over our neighbours.”
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While Eagar was equally brimming with excitement leading some of NSW’s finest female footballing talent that will be on display at Perry Park for the ‘Festival of Football festivities’ in Brisbane.
“It is an exciting concept for football and another opportunity to showcase the quality in the female game.
“It is a great reward for the girls selected, a responsibility to represent all players in the NPL NSW Women’s and the female football community.
“I appreciate having the opportunity to help the girls put on a show and test themselves against the best in Queensland.
“Who doesn’t love a NSW v Queensland contest, and I’m looking forward to the challenge as much as the players will be.”
Playing squads for both teams will be made up of those players that most favourably rated in each of their weekly performances. Understandably, several players in the A-League Academies and many young female players in the Westfield W-League will not be available because of the commencement of these respective new seasons in late December.
An announcement of the 16 players to make up both the men’s and women’s teams will be made next week in readiness for some preparatory training sessions in the lead up to the games in Queensland.
