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Gold Coast Knights captain Roman Hofmann has cautioned his side not to be complacent as it prepares to face a Magpies Crusaders team that he says has the potential to finish in the NPL Queensland top four this season.
The 2019 grand final winners will enter the match as favourites owing to their state league pedigree of seasons past, but Hofmann said Mackay’s start to the 2021 season meant Saturday’s clash would be a hotly contested affair.
“Based on what I’ve seen they look like a team that will be pushing towards the top four possibly,” Hofmann said.
Operating on a shoestring budget, the incoming signings came predominantly from within Sunshine Coast Football circles.
New additions included Caloundraâs Ethan Galbraith and the returning Wanderer Josh Forshey, Noosaâs Mitch Bridge and the Jancevski brothers Chris and Andre, and Nambour Yandina Unitedâs Jacob Fulluck and Bailey Salisbury.
Key cog Danny Cuttler turned down a more lucrative move in Cardiff to remain on the Coast.
âThatâs what I tried to build here, with the local players,â coach Paul Arnison said.
âWe donât have the biggest budget compared to some other guys, so itâs important having local guys who really want to play for us.