Ben Njie’s move to Moreton Bay United has been months in the making.
The 29-year-old put pen to paper ahead of today’s NPL trip to Sunshine Coast Wanderers, saying the chance to work with Jets’ coach Royce Brownlie was a key factor.
“Originally, I was going to come over last year,” said Ben, a central striker who can play “on the last defender” or drop deep to get involved in the game.
“I’ve known Royce for a while, and I thought it would be a good fit to play for a striker who helps strikers.
“I said no initially, last season, as I thought Easts was going to be a bit different.
“But this time I thought (it was a) ‘no brainer’ and I think it will be perfect to work together. Playing for Royce was definitely a lure.”
Ben was in the Huddersfield Town and Leeds United academy programs in the UK and then Wakefield before moving to Australia.
Ben has played for North Star, Rochedale, Mitchelton, Pine Hills and Easts in levels from Brisbane Capital League 2 to the FQPL and NPL Qld.
He scored nine goals in 13 games for North Star who finished fourth in Brisbane Capital League 1 in 2015.
Also eight goals in 13 games for Rochedale in the FQPL in 2019 and nine in 13 games for Pine Hills as they won Capital League 2 last year.
The switch to Easts didn’t “work for me personally” said Ben, who is now looking to “try and get a few goals” for Jets and “see how we get on”.
“This year I’m hoping to get at least 15 goals for Moreton Bay,” he said, “at least 15 will keep me happy.
“I hope I can help the team and give a bit more depth to the squad.”
Ben was no stranger to some of his new team-mates, especially Nick Bernardi who was his captain at Mitchelton in the Brisbane Premier League five years ago.