An Australian football legend who played at the top level for the Strikers and then for Sydney FC could be on the verge of a return to the top flight, according to reports.
The AFL has confirmed to Fairfax Media that Michael Cheika has interviewed former Striker and Socceroos striker Michael Jones for a coaching role at the Roosters.
AFL.com.au understands the former Rooster, who was the first player to score a century in a match for the club, has already been interviewed by the Roos coaching staff.
Jones was a key member of the Socceroos World Cup-winning side, and was also an important part of the squad that defeated France in the 2015 Asian Cup.
In 2018, Jones was nominated for the Young Player of the Year award by Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou.
“Michael has a great passion for the game of football, and is a very capable, young, talented player,” a club source told Fairfax Media.
He could be in line to play for the Roors for the first time since he left the club.
Queensland’s Paul Seedsman, who also played for the Sydney FC side, is also in line for a role with the Roo.
Roosters head coach Paul Green said Jones was “excited to be a part of Roostards football club” and he was looking forward to “joining the Rooress family”.
“Michael was a part and parcel of our club,” he said.
“He was a big part of our success in 2017 and has been an outstanding teammate and mentor.
I know Michael is excited about being a part, and I know he will do everything in his power to make the most of his opportunity.”
Queenslands’ Paul Seedsmann and Melbourne Victory’s Josh Kennedy (right) could be considered as possible replacements for Jones, according a source.
Jones made his senior debut for the Socceroo side in 2018, scoring a try against France.
He also represented the Socceros in the World Cup and helped the club to the final.
He played with the likes of former Socceroos great and current Australia captain James Troisi, former Socceroo midfielder Aaron Mooy and former Socceros captain Josh Kennedy.
As a youth player, Jones scored 27 tries for Sydney Roos and played a pivotal role in their run to the finals.
He was also a key part of their successful 2016-17 season, where they went on to win the premiership.
Jones scored 22 tries in 2017-18 for the Brisbane Broncos, who won the EPL in 2017.
He has also played with former Soccero captain Tom Rogic, current Socceroos captain Tom Wood and former Brisbane Roos captain Michael Ennis.
Jones played in three World Cup finals, winning one of them.
He has also won a Super Rugby title, a Champions Cup, three NRL titles and two NRL premierships.
Jones has a strong family history and was born in Sydney, NSW, to father Michael Jones and mother Joanne (nee Jones).
He is a son of Australian footballer and former Australia international footballer Michael Jones.
He plays for the Melbourne Stars, where he scored 13 tries in 18 appearances in 2017, and has played for South Sydney Rabbitohs and St George Illawarra Dragons.
Jones was also part of Australia’s successful 2016 World Cup campaign.
Jones joined the Rooy’s coaching staff in 2018 and has since been promoted to the Roar coaching staff, with former Roos teammate and current Australian Rugby League player James Tedesco his assistant.
This is a developing story and we will update you as more information becomes available.
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