Rooney ready to terrorize NPL defences

It is almost hard to believe Sean Rooney is only 28.

After making his first-grade debut for Blacktown City FC in 2006, it was obvious the pacey striker was a star in the making.

Newcastle was his next home from 2008-2011, on the books of the Jets in the A-League.

Professional spells in Indonesia (Deltras) and India (Salgaocar and Bengaluru FC) then allowed Rooney to live the dream abroad, sandwiched in between two more stints at Blacktown City FC in 2012 and 2013.

Oakleigh Cannons were the next club to snare Rooney’s signature, where he scored two goals in eight appearances for the Victorian Premier League outfit.

Come 2015 he moved back to Sydney and could have agreed to terms with anyone – which made Marconi an interesting move.

Rooney has been prolific up front in the famous Sky Blue kit, scoring 45 goals in 50 games to make him a fan favourite among the passionate Stallions faithful.

With promotion finally sealed last year following two frustrating years in the wilderness, 2018 promises to be a big season on the pitch for the former NSL heavyweights.

“Everyone is very happy to be back playing the top tier NPL (NSW), it took us (Marconi) a bit longer to gel than we anticipated,” Rooney told Football NSW.

“Last season was great, we certainly clicked in NPL 2, but that’s old news now.

“We want to win every game we play in – be it the league or the Cup.

“From what I’ve seen at training and in our pre-season games so far, we have the ability to match it with anyone, but we know this year there won’t be any easy games – the quality in the competition is obvious.”

James Andrew looms as a very handy pickup from Blacktown City FC, with Martin Lo also a new face for Marconi.

“I think those two will be great, they offer plenty going forward,” Rooney said.

“You want competition for spots, and Flea (coach Peter Tsekenis) likes to play high tempo football.”

Away from football, Rooney works as a groundsman in Sydney’s west at Cumberland – and his boss happens to be Blacktown City FC boss Mark Crittenden.

“Critter is a terrific bloke, we talk football non-stop at work,” Rooney said.

“He always jokes about be coming back to play for him, but I’m very happy at Marconi.”

The Stallions host the Jason Culina coached Sydney United 58 FC in a bumper first round clash at Marconi Stadium on Saturday, March 10 from 7pm.

-By Andrew Prentice