Transfer news: Mariners sign former Roar defender

The Central Coast Mariners have today announced the signing of young defender Kye Rowles on a one-year contract.

The 19-year-old joins the Mariners from Brisbane Roar, where he spent last season under the guidance of John Aloisi.

The left back has represented Australia at the U17 FIFA World Cup, and says former Socceroo Paul Okon played a big part in getting him to the coast.

“A big influence on me coming to the Mariners has been Paul Okon. I have worked with him through the young Socceroos for a while and I like his coaching and his style of play,” Rowles said. 

“My goal is to break into the first eleven and help the club as much as I can along the way.”

Kye Rowles

Rowles completed his first session with the Mariners on Monday and coach Paul Okon believes the youngster will be a handy pick up for the Yellow and Navy. 

“Left sided defenders are particularly hard to find, especially those that are comfortable in our playing style,” Okon said. 

“Kye has enormous potential which we hope to nurture and help continue his development into an A-League footballer.”