Najjar sets high expectations for 2025

After becoming the club’s marquee signing in the off-season, Moudi Najjar has reflected on his time at Rockdale Ilinden so far, and looks ahead to this weekend’s blockbuster Grand Final rematch against Marconi. 

Najjar was originally meant to join Rockdale in 2024, but was promptly swept up by Hwaseong FC, delaying the move as he experienced a year abroad in South Korea.

The marquee striker is now firmly a Rockdale player, however, and expressed his delight in putting on the jersey of the famous Australian club.

“It’s exciting to come back and play for them,” he said.

“They’re a big club, so it means a lot to put on their jersey, and I look forward to achieving big things with them.”

And Najjar’s excitement was only increased by the professionalism of their pre-season, which impressed the forward as they looked to build on their 2024 Premiership winning campaign.

“It was a very professional preseason, we trained quite a bit,” he reflected.

“Compared to a lot of clubs that I heard about, we were quite professional.

“Even in the break, we kept training through and the boys were all committed.

“It was good to see.”

Rockdale have picked up four points from their first two games, following up on a 2-2 draw with St George City by defeating St George FC 2-1 last weekend.

Their ability to score clutch goals late on – a key feature of their 2024 Premiership winning campaign – has remained as strong as ever so far this season, with only one of their four league goals coming before the 85th minute.

“We’ve won and we’ve drawn, and you can see the fight we have to make a comeback in both games,” said Najjar on the opening two rounds.

“We have a big squad, and everyone’s backing each other – whether you’re a sub or a starter.

“Everyone’s pushing each other.

“The first few games have been tough but as we go into the next few rounds I think you’ll see a big change in our football and our form.”

Rockdale will be looking to make a statement this weekend when taking on Marconi Stallions – the side who pipped them to the Championship in 2024 as Rockdale lost the Grand Final.

Najjar will be key as Rockdale aim to make amends on Saturday night, and expressed his excitement to be playing in a game of this significance.

“That’s a big game that everyone’s been talking about,” he said.

“It will be interesting to see this weekend and see the benchmark and where everyone’s at.

“I think we have a good squad and I think we can do damage with the players we have.

“It’s going to be a great game to watch.”

Finally, Najjar outlined Rockdale’s goals for the coming season, as the storied club strives to build on their silverware from last year and do it all in 2025.

“As a team, we want to win everything.

“The Premiership, Championship, Waratah Cup, Australia Cup, we want to do it all as much as we can.

“For me personally, I want to get as many goals and assists to help the team.

“I want to help the team however I can.”

Watch this weekends Grand Final rematch, and all NPL Men’s NSW games live on Football NSW’s YouTube channel