Brisbane Roar Secures NPL Star on First Professional Contract at 27 – A Familiar Face Joins the Squad

Brisbane Roar have awarded Queensland native and centre-back Austin Ludwik his inaugural professional contract in the Isuzu UTE A-League.

Ludwik, a two-time NPL Queensland Player of the Year, has penned a deal that will see him stay with the club until the conclusion of the current season.

The 27-year-old defender joins from Gold Coast Knights, where he served as captain, leading the NPLM QLD team to two Premiership victories and a pair of Championships.

Ludwik is familiar with the Roar, having been part of the club’s youth system from 2014 to 2016. He also captained the Queensland State Team when they faced Brisbane before triumphing against Victoria in last year’s inter-state showdown.

KEEP UP WITH ALL THE MOVES INVOLVING YOUR CLUB THROUGH OUR MID-SEASON TRANSFER CENTRE

“I’m incredibly excited to be here and grateful for the chance to secure my first professional contract, which has taken a bit longer than expected,” said Ludwik, who is in line to make his debut against Wellington Phoenix on Thursday.

“It’s a real source of pride to do this with a Queensland club, being a Queenslander myself, and I can’t wait to get started.”

“For the rest of the year, my goal is to integrate into the squad as a senior player, take on a leadership role, and help the team finish the season on a strong note. I believe we have the talent within the squad to achieve that, and I’m eager to contribute.”

DISCUSSION POINTS: Unforgettable moment highlights Socceroo’s immediate influence

Ludwik is the second addition to the Roar during the January transfer window, following Nathan Amanatidis, while Henry Hore has returned to Brisbane after a loan spell in South Korea.

In the meantime, the last-placed Roar have parted ways with Harry Van Der Saag (mutual termination), Joe Caletti, Thomas Waddingham, Neicer Acosta, and Alex Parsons.