Queensland coach Frank Farina is expecting a tough journey across the Tasman for the Roar’s first clash of the new season against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.
Queensland coach Frank Farina is expecting a tough journey across the Tasman for the Roar’s first clash of the new season against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.
The Roar faced a horror 10-hour trip, not arriving in their Wellington hotel until midnight on Friday night.
The improved Phoenix will start the match as favourites, but Farina is happy to be the underdog.
“Most tipsters have gone for Wellington and that sits fine with us,” Farina said.
“We’ve got to turn up and that’s what we’ll do and try to get something from the game.”
The former Socceroo coach said that while it would be good to start the season with a win, it wasn’t the be all and end all.
“If any of the teams don’t get off to a winning start it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the season,” he said.
“It’s always going to be tough when you go over there but we’re looking at getting something.”
“If we can get something out of there it’ll be great to bring home with two home games coming up after that.”
The Roar will start with new signings Tim Smits and Sergio van Dijk in the frontline, while ‘underdone’ striker Reinaldo will provide an attacking option off the bench.
Young defender Luke DeVere will fill the void left by suspended captain Craig Moore, and Farina is confident he will do well alongside the recovering Josh McCloughan.
