Four standout players from Auckland FC’s Reserve squad have earned selection in the inaugural OFC Pro League. The selected players are Blake Callinan, Everton O’Leary, Eli Jones, and Ralph Rutherford, who also claimed the club’s golden boot last season.
The Reserve squad made its debut last season, competing in both the Dettol Northern League and Dettol National League. The team had a strong season in the National League, finishing fourth, only three points off the top spot.
Auckland’s OFC Pro League and Reserves Head Coach, Luke Casserly, is pleased to be bringing some familiar faces to join the team with him.
“It’s great news for these young lads, they’ve all played brilliantly and deserve the opportunity to represent Auckland in the OFC Pro League,” says Casserly.
“Having some players who are familiar with each other and the way the club runs will be great for getting the squad up and running, and I know that we’ve got some real quality on our side.
“It will also be great for the players. They get to experience a professional football environment, which will do wonders for their careers.”
The OFC Pro League consists of eight teams across seven oceanic nations, competing against each other over five rounds before concluding in knockout finals.
The club has already announced a number of signings, including players from Auckland City, Wellington Olympic, and Western Springs. More details can be found here.
The league is set to commence on January 17th, with the first round of the competition being held at Auckland’s Eden Park. Tickets on sale here.
Ralph Rutherford
Position: Winger
Age: 20
Nationality: New Zealand
Ralph Rutherford played 22 games for the Auckland FC Reserves last season in the Northern League, emerging with eight goals and seven assists from the wing. He had the most goals for the reserves, earning himself the squad’s golden boot. In the reserves 4-1 win against Manurewa, Rutherford was involved in all four goals, recording two goals and two assists.
Everton O’Leary
Position: Right-back
Age: 21
Nationality: New Zealand
Everton O’Leary has also represented New Zealand at the U19 and U20 levels, contributing one goal and three assists across five games at the U19 OFC Championship. In Codey Phoenix’s absence, O’Leary has also captained the reserves side several times. O’Leary played for Birkenhead United before signing for Auckland, where he featured in the National League Grand Final after a dominant showing from Birkenhead in the Northern League. O’Leary was awarded Player’s Player for the Auckland FC Reserves Squad.
Blake Callinan
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 19
Nationality: New Zealand
Blake Callinan appeared 12 times for the reserves last season. Callinan played for Auckland United in the season prior to joining the reserves, making his Northern League debut in 2024 and earning himself man of the match. During his time at United, he kept four clean sheets from seven starts.
Eli Jones
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 18
Nationality: New Zealand
Eli Jones completes the goalkeeping trio for the OFC Pro League squad, in addition to Blake Callinan and Oscar Mason. Jones made 11 starts for the reserves last season, and he also has experience with the first-team setup, appearing on the bench throughout Auckland’s four-game Australia Cup run.
