‘Going to get my cap number tattooed’: Socceroos debut means the world for Rowles
Fresh from becoming Socceroo #621, Kye Rowles has vowed to ink a special memento to remember the first time he pulled on the Green and Gold against Jordan.
The 23-year-old played 90 minutes in the 2-1 friendly victory against Jordan in Doha as he was rewarded for another consistent A-League Men campaign with Central Coast Mariners.
Rowles partnered Bailey Wright at centre back as the Socceroos completed their warm-up for Wednesday morning's (AEST) do-or-die Asian World Cup play-off against United Arab Emirates.
The debut capped off a week to remember for Rowles, who featured for the A-League All Stars in last week's exhibition game against Spanish giants Barcelona in front of 70,000 fans at Sydney's Accor Stadium.
While he took a moment to reflect on what he had achieved, Rowles has already turned his attention to securing more caps for the Green and Gold.
“It means the world,” Rowles told socceroos.com.au.
It's an amazing feeling and I’m just super honoured and privileged to make my debut for the Socceroos.
“I was working hard in training and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity. I'm just grateful and honoured.
“You want it so bad before and once you get that taste, you just want more and more. Hopefully, there's plenty more to come. I'll be ready and itching to get out there again.”
He added: “I’m going to get my cap number tattooed somewhere.”
Probably on my ribs under the Olympic rings from last year so the ribcage is getting pretty meaningful now.”
Rowles' debut is just reward for another successful season A-League Men season as he helped the Mariners finish in the top six, reaching the finals series where they were knocked out by Adelaide United.
He has been a regular for the Mariners over the last four seasons but in 2022, his game went from strength to strength as he featured 25 times and missed just two games.
Rowles was also recognised for his amazing season by collecting four awards from the 2022 Mariners Medal Dinner Awards on Friday.
The Kiama-born centre-back won the Fan’s Player of the Season, Player’s Player of the Season, Coach’s Award and the Mariners Medal.
While Rowles found it hard to break through at his first A-League club Brisbane Roar, he said playing for the Mariners has provided the perfect platform to springboard his career.
“It's been awesome, especially the last couple of years because we turned the club around after struggles for a few years,” Rowles said.
To be back in finals football and winning games, it's been amazing. It's a little club but it's the gift that keeps on giving in regards to the national team and turning over players.
“It's just been awesome. It's such a great little club and I've loved my time there so hopefully, next year is even better and we can push for a grand final appearance.”
Rowles will be hoping to earn his second cap when the Socceroos face UAE on Wednesday morning at 4am (AEST) as the side endeavours to qualify for a fifth-consecutive World Cup.
The Socceroos FIFA World-Cup Play-off match will be broadcast live and free on Australia's 'Home of Football,' Network Ten.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar (Play-Off)
Date: Wednesday, 8 June 2022
Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Kick-off: 4:00AM AEST
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia on Network 10 and simulcast on Paramount+ and 10 Play