Brisbane Roar has bolstered its squad for the upcoming A-League season with the signing of two players from the Illawarra region, Joel King and Tate Russell. Both players are expected to play a significant role in the club's quest to return to finals football.

New Additions to the Roar

Joel King joins the Roar on a two-year contract after making over 125 appearances for Sydney FC, where he scored four goals during his eight-season tenure. The former Socceroos left-back has a decorated history, having won two championships and a premiership, along with being named the 2020-21 A-League Men Young Footballer of the Year. King made his debut for the national team in January 2022 during a World Cup qualifier against Vietnam and was part of the Socceroos squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Reflecting on his move, King expressed enthusiasm about joining Brisbane, stating, "I'm really excited to be joining Brisbane Roar. It's a massive opportunity for me and one that I'm really grateful for." He emphasized his desire to develop as a player and contribute to the team's success, acknowledging the club's rich history and passionate fanbase.

Tate Russell's Return to the A-League

Tate Russell, also a product of the Wollongong football scene, is eager to make his mark with Brisbane after a stint with the Wollongong Wolves. The 26-year-old defender found himself without a club when Western United was expelled from the A-League Men's competition. He returned to his boyhood club, the Wolves, ahead of the inaugural Australian Championship and played a crucial role in their early success in the NSW NPL competition.

Russell's experience and skills were instrumental for the Wolves, but the club was aware that his talents would attract interest from A-League teams. With his return to the top tier of Australian football, Russell aims to make a significant impact at Brisbane Roar.

As the Roar prepares for the 2026-27 A-League season, the addition of King and Russell signals a determined effort to reclaim a spot in the finals, with both players bringing valuable experience and local connections to the team.