Sarah Rowe lured to Mariners by chance to work with Emily Husband

Sarah Rowe has taken advantage of a rare gap in her busy schedule by signing a short-term contract with Central Coast Mariners in Australia's Ninja A-League, with the chance to play under manager Emily Husband a major factor in her decision.

The Republic of Ireland international returns to the league, having played with Melbourne Victory towards the end of the 2022-23 season.

An underage international at under-15, under-17 and under-19 levels, Rowe was on the same under-19 team as current senior captain Katie McCabe that reached the European Championship semi-finals in 2014.

Chloe Mustaki, Megan Connolly, Clare Shine, Savannah McCarthy and multiple Cork camogie All-Ireland winner Amy O’Connor were also on the Dave Connell’s starting XI for that historic tournament.

Rowe was capped at senior level the following season, providing an assist as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Hungary and won a league and cup double in her first season with Shelbourne in 2016.

However, the Ballina native opted to focus on Gaelic football, establishing herself as one of the top forwards in the country with Mayo and playing in an All-Ireland final and three league deciders

In the wake of her Mayo team-mate Cora Staunton’s pioneering transition to playing Aussie rules, Rowe was among early wave of Irish players that have driven the expansion of the AFLW. She has been a constant for Collingwood since signing in 2018 and making her debut the following year.

"Speaking to Emily, she is a major reason why I decided that the Mariners is the right place for me. Doing a lot of research on her before coming here, I love the way that she sets up the team to play and her style of coaching."

Her appetite for soccer returned when she went back to play with