Sharks’ Dutch import Groenbast eyes A-League gig
Sutherland Sharks have boosted its squad days out from their opening match against the Marconi Stallions after acquiring the services of ex-Go Ahead Eagles defender Joey Groenbast.
The 24-year-old is hoping to have a strong NPL NSW Men’s season with the Sharks with the hope of winning a deal with an A-League club.
“I had a bad injury that kept me out for eight months and my contract expired at Go Ahead Eagles which meant I didn’t have a club for 6-months.
“I had some options to go to other teams but they didn’t seem right to me, didn’t have the right fit and then the opportunity to come to Australia came up and my agent gave me a call. He told me the name of the club and that it was based in Sydney so I did some research on the internet and it seemed pretty good.
“I had a talk with Nick (Dimovski, Head Coach) and it seemed right so I talked it over with my partner and here we am.
“We came here and everyone is so nice and helped us out and I’m looking forward to the season kicking off this weekend.”
Originally a right-back, Groenbast has slotted into the centre-back role at Seymour Shaw.
“It’s a slight change of position for me but I like the responsibility and am enjoying my football.
“We are trying to play out from the back, which is what I am used to in Holland as well, so it’s been quite an easy transition and hopefully my experience will be helpful to my team-mates.”
If performing at his peak, Groenbast will be an immense asset to the Shire based outfit but he aims for higher.
“I want to play my best and have a good season with Sutherland and of course if I can recapture my form I would like to play A-League football.
“That is my aim and I want to be my best and we’ll see where it leads to.”
In the limited pre-season games, Groenbast has looked at ease slotting into the middle of defence, appears to have time on the ball without becoming flustered.
If his trail match form carry’s over to the NPL NSW Men’s competition, he is likely to turn a few heads.
-By Micky Brock
