Sydney see off Mariners to retain Joeys skipper Teague

Sydney FC have warded off Central Coast Mariners to re-sign Joeys skipper Ryan Teague, with the promise of a senior team breakthrough the ultimate carrot for the promising midfielder.

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Mariners coach Alen Stajcic was keen to bring the 17-year-old on board and a firm offer was tabled.

There was even talk of Teague being fast-tracked into A-League calculations, subsequently denied by the Mariners.

The Mariners’ move for Teague - who will lead Australia into combat at November’s U-17 FIFA World Cup in Brazil - concentrated the minds of the Sky Blues hierarchy and a contract renewal was swiftly prepared to keep Teague in the Harbour City on scholarship terms for a second year.

From there lies the promise of a full professional deal should Teague continued his current upward arc.

Highly-rated by coach Steve Corica, Teague has improved exponentially since helping mastermind Australia’s qualification for Brazil at the AFC U-16 Championship in Malaysia last October.

The expectation is that he will train with the senior squad - whilst remaining a part of National Youth League set-up.

The 12-month deal opens the door for Teague - a budding number six renowned for his composure - to provide competition for senior midfielders like Brandon O’Neill, Anthony Caceres and Paulo Retre.