The Wolves' next FFA Cup clash is just around the corner, with Luke Wilkshire's men set to meet the Mariners in Wollongong on December 1.
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Football Australia is likely to confirm the date in the coming days, but the Mercury understands the match will be held at WIN Stadium.
The game will mark the first time the Wolves have reached the Cup's round of 16 stage, However, Wollongong are familiar with the A-Leagues club, with the sides meeting in numerous friendlies in recent years, including in 2018 when Central Coast prevailed 3-1 in front of a big crowd at WIN Stadium.
Wilkshire hopes to see plenty of football fans turn out again when the sides meet in early December.
"Our preparations are in full swing, we've been in full training. We've also got a behind-closed-doors friendly next Wednesday against Western Sydney Wanderers, and then one more week leading into the game against the Mariners," the Wolves coach told the Mercury.
"We definitely want to a good crowd, we want to see our fans out in force. Obviously it's been a tough year for everyone, so to have some live sport to enjoy will be great and it's a chance to showcase the region, and the reason why we should be competing in the top league."
The Wolves automatically qualified for the Cup's round of 32 back in 2019 when they were declared National Premier Leagues champions with a 4-3 win over Lions FC.
The Wolves had to wait a long time for their first Cup clash - mainly due to the ongoing impact of COVID - but made the most of their opportunity with a 3-0 victory over NSW NPL rivals Mount Druitt earlier this month.
The win was set up by Peter Simonoski's goal on the stroke of half time, before Bilal Belkadi and Lachlan Scott also found the back of the net in the second half at Popondetta Park.
The Cup's round of 16 draw then took place on Monday, with Wilkshire's team picked to meet the Mariners.
"I wasn't too bothered who we got next, we're excited to get an A-Leagues side. The Mariners are there for us to take on," Wilkshire said.
"We've made history by getting into the round of 16 and we want to make it again by getting into the final eight."
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
