Sport
7 December, 2025
Stars join Edge Hill
MARLIN Coast Rangers FC stars Calum Smith and Gerardo Balart have joined the Tigers ahead of the 2026 season in a major double signing, coach Ryan Murray confirmed.
“I’m delighted that both of these lads are joining the Tigers next year. They will add much-needed physical strength, leadership and quality to the squad,” Mr Murray said.
“Calum is very much an old-fashioned English centre-back – exactly what we were looking for.
“He’s played at a very decent standard back in England, and after conceding too many soft goals last season, I’m hoping Calum will help fix that problem.”
Mr Murray said Balart, from Chile, had been a standout performer for Marlin Coast last season. “Gerry was arguably Marlin Coast’s best player last year.
“In the game I watched against NPL powerhouses Peninsula Power, he was the best player on the pitch. I’m really looking forward to working with him and I’m glad he chose us over everyone else in the league — because I think everyone was after him.”
Both players will officially join the Tigers ahead of pre-season training, with the club hopeful their signings will strengthen the squad for the 2026 campaign.
