It’s been an unforgettable National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season for 20-year-old entertaining attacker midfielder Jaden Casella who has had a breakout season for the 2020 Premiers and is sure to be one to watch out for at this Sunday’s epic Grand Final against Sydney United 58 held at Marconi Stadium.
The former Sutherland Sharks and Western Sydney Wanderers youth star has sent many chins wagging with his performances in the Red and Black this year following his move back to Sydney after the young gun spent some time with Spanish outfit Mislata CF before COVID hit and that paved the way to signing with Rockdale.
“It turned out to be a great season for me.
“Due to COVID, I had to come back from playing overseas in Spain and was fortunate enough to have been given the chance to restart the football season with Rockdale Ilinden which has been a great experience.
“The boys have had a very eye-catching season and it has just been great being a part of it all.”
Casella, who managed to score three goals this year, became one of Steve Zoric’s game changers with the youngster rising to the challenge and occasion with the aim of playing as many matches as possible during the rebooted season.
“I knew from the beginning that there would be a lot of pressure on the coaches in regards to choosing the squad.
“That in itself was going to be a challenge to start matches as all the boys put in 110% at training.
“However this motivated me more to work hard and to do my best to be noticed.”
And notice they did, part of Rockdale’s memorable 2020 season saw the club lift its first piece of NPL NSW Men’s silverware, something Casella was very proud to have been a part of.
“I never doubted the boys into having such a great season.
“Despite the shorter rounds and changes to the competition, we took this league very seriously and constantly pushed each other to play the best we can.
“I think personally looking back at it all, that is why we got to the position we are in today, but it is always a great feeling to win a Premiership.”
There were no signs of a Premiership hangover as Rockdale asserted its authority from the get go knocking out rivals Sydney Olympic 3-0 last Saturday evening in the crucial semi-final clash that booked their ticket to the big dance with Casella scoring the third and final goal of the match.
“The Semi-Final against Sydney Olympic was our best performance of the season.
“Yes it is always good to get on the score-sheet but what was so great about that match is that every single player had a great performance and we all worked together to grab a well-deserved spot into this Sunday’s Grand Final.”
Standing in Casella and the club’s way will be iconic Australian club Sydney United 58 who will pose a major threat with Anthony Crea’s men looking to spoiling Rockdale’s party.
“This Sunday’s Final will be a tough match – of course it’s the biggest game of the year for both teams, Sydney United 58 obviously have had a great season as well so it won’t be easy.
“The last time we played each other was in round 10 where we grabbed a point away from home but this Sunday I am more than confident that we will pull off another 5-star performance hopefully to see us lift the trophy for the club and our fans.”
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