Battling Brisbane Roar have signed former Johnny Warren Medallist and New Zealand international Marco Rojas in a bid to spark their attack and turn their season around.
Tricky winger Rojas, who had multiple stellar stints with Melbourne Victory, has signed until the end of the current season with the ninth-placed Roar, who have only scored 22 goals in 15 games.
Rojas, the 2012-13 Johnny Warren Medallist nicknamed ‘The Kiwi Messi,’ has scored 41 goals in 140 appearances for the Victory and Wellington, along with five goals in 43 caps for New Zealand.
Of Chilean descent, Rojas most recently played for powerhouse club Colo-Colo and has had stints in Europe but said the time was right to return to Australia.
“I chose this project because it was the one that resonated the most with how I was feeling and what I was thinking at this point in my career,” Rojas said.
The 32-year-old will be available to face the Phoenix on Friday night, with the Roar attempting to snap a three-game losing streak under new coach Ben Cahn.
“Marco’s arrival is a significant milestone in our journey towards rebuilding and strengthening our club,” Roar chief executive Kaz Patafta said.
“His experience and leadership are crucial and will undoubtedly help us achieve our ambitious goals.”
Earlier, leaders Wellington signed Costa Rican international Youstin Salas for the remainder of the season.
Salas has represented his country seven times, which included two appearances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“Youstin’s a very decorated player. He’s won a lot of trophies,” coach Giancarlo Italiano said.
“And importantly he can fill in across a number of positions.
“He has World Cup appearances as a right back, but he mostly plays as a six and he can fill in as a 10 if needed.
“When I spoke to him, his first goal was that he wants us to win the championship.
“That was the first thing he said to me, and I like that.”
Salas is on loan from Deportivo Saprissa, hoping his experience can lead the Phoenix to a maiden title.
“I come from being a three-time champion with Saprissa and I want to be a champion also with Wellington Phoenix,” Salas said.
“That is my mentality.”
Salas will join the squad in Wellington following the approval of his visa.
Leon
Roar Rookie
I am puzzled by the arrival of Rojas at Brisbane Roar. I don’t believe he has played since early 2023, and seemed to be getting little game time in South America. For Brisbane Roar, mid-season signings have typically failed to deliver; as Messiah after Messiah has proved to be just a very ordinary Brian. And not even a very naughty boy. Lack of conditioning, lack of quality, long past their best, injury prone, and often not able to adjust. I feel like I have seen it all before, even if Rojas has done well in the A League previously. For me, Rojas is the latest Brian. It is hard to get past the conditioning thing. When did he last play 90 minutes of competitive football? His signing seems at odds with what Kaz and Zac have spoken about with respect to recruitment. Perhaps they see it as the last roll of the dice for a season that has gone down the pan since the Western United loss. Mindful that we must always look on the bright side of life, as a Roar fan, I hope Roar can pull off a miracle win on Friday night against Phoenix. Sadly, I fear it is more likely to be another case of: Crucifixion? Good, out the door, line on the left, one cross each for Brisbane Roar. As for Phoenix. Congratulations on the season so far. If recent recruitment by the Phoenix is anything to go by, no doubt the Costa Rican will shine. [Apologies to all who have not seen the move 'The Life of Brian']
Marcel
Roar Rookie
More like the kiwi Kaz Patafta.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
The problem Rojas has is he went to Northern Europe. Germany Bundesliga 2 is the most physical league I have seen. The refereeing there is more anything goes. Holland , Demark, Norway , Sweden your going to be in trouble in those leagues unless your physical. The funny thing is how people think the colder it is the football will improve, no players move a lot faster and you can get smashed more often. Every time he has returned to the A-league he looks physically slower and weaker than before. The A-league is a refuge for quality technical players , like Davila in Europe he is just a walking target , but now you have too Faghani and Shaun Evans who dont call fouls.
NoMates
Roar Rookie
Good signing for the Roar. no hate from me. they need all the help they can get.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Appears to be a great acquisition by Wellington Phoenix. As for Marco Rojas, he appears to be a journey man. He's A-League quality at best and should accept that fact now. Each time he's made a move after a successful stint here with Victory, he moves. Yet despite his moves, he is then consistently relegated to loan moves and bench warming. This project works cause he's guaranteed playing minutes. He won't be a 90 minute player either. At least not immediately. All you have to do it's look at his lack of playing time. It's good recruitment for the Roar. Hope it works for both parties involved. Would be nice to snap our losing streak. It's a miracle we're still in touching distance of making top 6.