From NPL NSW To The A-League: Eight Players Take The Next Step

The National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition continues to prove its importance as one of the strongest development pathways in Australian football, with eight players from the 2026 season earning A-League Men contracts for the 2026-27 campaign.

The latest group of signings highlights the quality, competitiveness and player development environment within NPL Men’s NSW, where talented footballers are able to test themselves against some of the best players outside the professional game while creating opportunities to take the next step.

The eight players making the move into the A-League Men are:

Max Court (APIA Leichhardt FC) – Brisbane Roar
Tate Russell (Wollongong Wolves) – Brisbane Roar
Presley Ortiz (APIA Leichhardt FC) – Central Coast Mariners
Gabriel Tilo (Sydney United 58) – Central Coast Mariners
Dylan Rose (Sydney United 58) – Macarthur FC
Oscar Gonzalez (APIA Leichhardt FC) – Newcastle Jets
Daniel Solsky (Wollongong Wolves) – Perth Glory
Sebastian Kukucka (Sydney Olympic) – Perth Glory

This group follows in the footsteps of many players who have used NPL Men’s NSW as a platform to earn professional opportunities, reinforcing the competition’s role as both a destination for quality footballers and a pathway to the next level.

A number of the players enjoyed standout 2026 campaigns, including APIA Leichhardt’s Presley Ortiz, who was one of the most dangerous attacking players in the competition.

Ortiz claimed the NPL Men’s NSW Golden Boot (joint with Western Sydney Wanderers’ Awan Lual) after a prolific season in front of goal, helping APIA secure the Premiership and reach the Grand Final. His ability to consistently influence matches earned him a move to the Central Coast Mariners.

APIA teammate Max Court was also rewarded after playing a key role in the Inner West side’s successful campaign, earning his opportunity with Brisbane Roar.

Oscar Gonzalez was another important contributor for APIA in the first half of the NPL Men’s NSW season with his attacking ability helping the club compete across the Premiership before securing his move to Newcastle Jets.

Sydney United 58’s Championship-winning season also saw two of their standout performers earn A-League opportunities.

Gabriel Tilo produced a memorable campaign, including scoring the decisive goal in United 58’s NPL Men’s NSW Grand Final victory over APIA Leichhardt, before earning his move to Central Coast Mariners.

Midfielder Dylan Rose was another crucial figure in United 58’s success, providing consistency, composure and quality throughout the season as the club claimed both the Waratah Cup and NPL Men’s NSW Championship. His performances earned him a contract with Macarthur FC.

Wollongong Wolves also played an important role in developing A-League talent, with Tate Russell and Daniel Solsky both earning professional opportunities following impressive seasons.

Russell’s performances earned him a move to Brisbane Roar, while Solsky secured his chance with Perth Glory.

The final member of the group, a young prodigy in Sebastian Kukucka who impressed throughout his time with Sydney Olympic and has now earned the opportunity to continue his development with Perth Glory.

The continued progression of players from NPL Men’s NSW into the A-League Men demonstrates the strength of the competition and the important role clubs play in developing footballers.

Week after week, NPL Men’s NSW provides players with a highly competitive environment where they can improve technically, tactically and physically while competing against experienced players, emerging talents and future professionals.

For clubs, these player movements highlight the importance of investing in development structures and creating environments where footballers can reach their full potential.

For players, the message remains clear, strong performances in NPL Men’s NSW can open the door to professional football.

Football NSW congratulates Max Court, Tate Russell, Presley Ortiz, Gabriel Tilo, Dylan Rose, Oscar Gonzalez, Daniel Solsky and Sebastian Kukucka on earning their A-League Men opportunities and wishes them every success for the season ahead.

Their journeys are another example of the pathway working and a reminder of the quality talent being produced within the National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition.

NPL Men’s NSW continues to develop, challenge and produce the next generation of Australian football talent.