MARINERS SIGNINGS & EXTENSIONS

It has been a massive few weeks for the Central Coast Mariners, with six players putting pen to paper to officially sign for the first team or extend their current contracts.

The contracts demonstrate the Mariners clear aim to both lock down current and future stars on deals, as well as give exciting talents a chance to shine on the Central Coast.

The signing spree begun with Brian Kaltak officially extending his contract with the Mariners until the end of the 2024/25 A-League Men’s season.

After joining the club at the beginning of this season as an injury replacement for Moresche, the Vanuatu national team captain has gone from strength to strength.

His athletic and courageous defensive style has seen him make numerous last ditch plays to keep goals out, including his memorable block off the line with his head against Newcastle.

He has quickly become one of star defenders in the competition, with many other clubs around the league looking to bring him into their sides.

Kaltak instead opted to extend with the Mariners, staying loyal to the club and head coach Nick Montgomery for giving him his first chance at the professional level.

The defender has proven how crucial he is to the Mariners side throughout the season, with our head coach pleased to have secured his services for the 2023/24 season.

Only five days later the club announced the signing of exciting youngster Christian Theoharous, after the forward left former club Western United.

Having had a breakout season with Melbourne Victory in their championship winning 2017/18 campaign, he moved to Borussia Monchengladbach.

Just a day later, Mariners stalwart Storm Roux signed a one-year extension, keeping him at the club until the end of next season. After making his debut for the MARINERS in the 2013/14 season, Roux has made over 100 appearances for the club over two stints.

Following three years with Melbourne Victory, the defender returned home to the Central Coast at the beginning of our last campaign under Montgomery. He enjoyed a pleasing return, scoring our only goal in last year’s finals series.

He has performed brilliantly in the first half of this campaign, with Montgomery rewarding his efforts with an extra year on his contract.

Following Covid the forward opted to move back to Australia, with Montgomery believing that he has the potential to be a future Socceroo.

Theoharous showed serious promise off the bench last weekend against Wellington, almost scoring twice. His efforts were only to be denied by the woodwork and an incredible last-ditch block from a Phoenix defender, with the youngster demonstrating to Mariners fans his potential.

The final announcement involved three exciting scholarship players, namely Joshua Hong, Lachlan Bayliss and Sasha Kuzevski.

Both Hong and Bayliss were awarded a first team scholarship until the end of this season, meaning that they will be training full time with the A-League side.

The duo have played pivotal roles in our NPL success over recent years, with Bayliss ending last season as the NPL2 leading goal scorer.

Kuzevski has received a scholarship extension, with the versatile youngster’s deal now running until the end of the 2023/24 season. The academy product has had a pleasing start to his A-League career, making five appearances off the bench.

These included big minutes against both Adelaide United and Melbourne City, while he made his debut against Sydney FC in round eight.