Having emerged as one of the finds of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 2020 season, 20-year-old attacking midfielder Jaden Casella has earned himself a scholarship deal with the Central Coast Mariners just in time for the upcoming A-League season following a quality year with Premiers and Finalists Rockdale illinden.

The ambitious young gun was one of Rockdale coach Steve Zoric’s main men scoring four goals in eleven matches, but it was his trickery and dazzling skills that caught the attention of many.

Casella spent time training with the Mariners in recent weeks and featured in pre-season matches and has now put pen to paper on a deal.

Born and bred in Sydney, Casella spent time with Sutherland Sharks as a youngster, and more recently had a spell in Spain with Torre Levante and Mislata FC.

After completing his signing this week, Casella said the deal felt like a good reward for his hard work but that there is plenty more ahead.

“I’m extremely excited to sign on with Mariners for the 20/21 season,” he said.

“I see it as a huge opportunity for my development stepping up to the next level, a lot of hard work has been put in to get to this point but I’m keen to prove myself and make an impact out on the pitch alongside some quality players.”

“I had a great run in Spain and it had a huge impact on my development as a footballer. It was unfortunate that it was cut short but securing this deal at the Mariners for the upcoming season has me determined to play against some great sides and drives me to give everything I’ve got.”

Mariners Head Coach Alen Stajcic said he believes Casella has plenty of talent and can be someone who can improve at the Mariners.

“Jaden has demonstrated his talent and ability while on trial here and we’re excited to welcome him to the squad,” Stajcic said.

“He is another talented young player who can gain a lot of experience by being here and in a season where rotation will be key, he has the opportunity to earn minutes as well.”

“To build this club back up we need to get things right with our young players, and Jaden is one of those who can make an impact here and be part of our future.”

COVID-19 may have forced a very different season in 2020, but Rockdale Ilinden FC flyer Mickey Neill is adamant victory will be no less special if his side clinches grand final glory this Sunday.

It has been a historic season for Rockdale as they clinched their first Premiership in 51 years after narrowly edging Wollongong Wolves in a dramatic final day of the regular season.

Now making their first grand final appearance in seven years, defender turned winger Neill says it has been the sacrifices made off the pitch by his teammates which has made their successes extra special.

“With all the challenges faced by the players this season it really goes to show the passion of everyone in the team,” he said.

“With everything going on in the world with this pandemic it would’ve been very easy to take it easy and coast through this season.

“But that is not what this team is about and it has really been evident at training and in matches. It has been the hardships which have not only brought us closer together but they are also the reason why success will be even sweeter if we get the job done.”

Neill has been one of Rockdale’s outstanding performers this season after returning to the squad following a three-month stint with A-League outfit Newcastle Jets earlier this year.

The 26-year-old said working under former Jets coach Carl Robinson has been one of the best learning experiences of his career and has given him extra motivation to push for an A-League return next season.

“I’m a very hungry player and I’ve been working towards this (an A-League contract) for the past three years,” Neill said.

“It was great to be given the opportunity to return to playing the game professionally, albeit only for a few months,

“I have never learnt as much in a short period of time as I did during my time working under Carl Robinson at the Jets.

“Hopefully that experience and my form with Rockdale will keep me on the radar of A-League clubs ahead of next season when they are looking to fill their roster.”

While his A-League dream may be a driving force, Neill said his immediate focus is clinching a historic premiership and championship double with a grand final win against Sydney United.

“Playing in a grand final is the big occasion you look forward to as a player and you want to give everything for the team and the club,” he said.

“The feeling around the place since we won the premiership has been electric and as a team we’ve been feeding off that.

“Rockdale is a very special club so as a player it has been very special to deliver the success the fans have craved for so long.

“It has been an incredible season and we all want to cap it off with grand final success.”

Don’t forget you can catch all the drama and excitement of this crucial NPL NSW Men’s Grand-Final clash exclusive only to NPL.TV, download the APP or register online today.

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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.”

Don’t forget you can catch all the drama and excitement of this crucial NPL NSW Men’s Grand-Final clash exclusive only to NPL.TV, download the APP or register online today.

The mobile apps are available for iOS and Android mobile devices and allow for connectivity to TV’s via Apple TV and Chromecast.

Download the NPL.TV app:

• IOS – Click here
• Android – Click here

To access the premium digital pass offer, head to the Subscription page on the NPL.TV website.