Mariners walking wounded.

Central Coast Mariners Coach Lawrie McKinna is bringing his team to Canberra for two pre-season games in three weeks, and a coaching session open to any Junior/grassroots or Senior Coach. The Mariners will also be back to play against Kaz Patafta and Shaun Ontong's Newcastle Jets on July 11th at Canberra Stadium.

But who will play Belconnen and The Rockets?

According to McKinna, Nik Mrdja and Matthew Osman won't play games for four weeks, Paul O'Grady could be ready for the Canberra games in three weeks, Greg Owen starts running in six weeks, but Dean Heffernan is back in training next week. Clearly managing the squad getting them all fit for the first A-League game never mind tactics/training games etc, is a major management problem.