A brief look at the promising North Queensland youngster
From Torres Strait Islander decent, this 19-year-old started playing football in Townsville at age 5 before he switched to rugby league, winning grand finals with Tully Tigers in 2007 & 2008.
With football never far from his heart, he returned to the world game and in 2008, he was selected to play for the Australian School boys, touring both Japan and Korea.
The second eldest of nine children, Sipi is the first player the Fury have signed directly from the local football scene. Lorenzo naturally plays at right-back but like many Fury players, is versatile and can also play in centre midfield.
On announcing the signing, Fury Football Operations Manager Robbie Middleby said; “This is a great signing for the club on so many levels. Lorenzo is someone I-ve been following closely for over 12 months and we believe he has the potential to achieve great things with the Fury.
“He has been training full-time with the squad for the past month and has really impressed both Franz and Stuart with his attitude and aptitude.
“Lorenzo is a strong player, who is fast and confident with the ball at his feet plus his versatility means he provides the coaches with further options this season.
“The Fury have tried hard to recruit the best young local talent from within Queensland and around the country. But our ultimate goal would be to see the best North Queensland talent representing the Fury in the country-s premier football competition and Lorenzo Sipi is the first player we have signed direct from the local development system.
“A lot of time and investment has gone into football development throughout North Queensland over recent years and this signing is testament to the hard work and support shown by many at Townsville Football, Football Queensland and the NQ Razorbacks in producing players such as Lorenzo.”
After signing his first ever professional football contract, a very happy Lorenzo Sipi said; “I never ever thought I would be offered a contract to play A-League football, this is a dream come true for me and my entire family. Townsville is my home and to be given the opportunity to play for my team, the North Queensland Fury, it-s simply unbelievable.
“Having trained with the squad for the past month, I already know the standard of football played is far greater than I-ve ever experienced before and I look forward to having a long and successful career here at the Fury.”
“This wouldn-t be possible without the help of many people and I-d just like to thank the Townsville Football Association and the NQ Razorbacks for all the support they have given me over the years.”
