New Caledonian forward Jaushua Sotirio has joined Avondale FC ahead of the 2026 Australian Championship, returning to Australian football after a spell in Singapore with Hougang United. The experienced attacker is among nine new players recruited by the reigning NPL Victoria champions as they prepare to compete for another national trophy.
Sotirio, who turned 31 on 11 October, brings more than a decade of professional experience to the Melbourne-based club. Having previously represented Western Sydney Wanderers, Wellington Phoenix, Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC in the A-League, he arrives at Avondale as one of the club’s most experienced attacking additions.
His latest move follows a productive period with Hougang United in the Singapore Premier League, where he scored five goals in 14 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign. The Australian Championship will provide another opportunity for the forward to build on his return to regular competitive football after several challenging years in his career.
Born in Sydney to New Caledonian parents, Sotirio initially represented Australia at youth international level, playing for the Young Socceroos and the country’s U-23 team. However, his international career took a new direction in March 2025, when FIFA approved his change of sporting nationality to New Caledonia.
He was subsequently included in Johann Sidaner’s squad for the decisive stages of Oceania’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Cagous defeated Tahiti 3-0 in the semi-finals before losing by the same scoreline to New Zealand in the final. Although Sotirio remained an unused substitute in both matches, his inclusion marked an important connection with the country of his family’s origins.
The forward’s professional journey began with Western Sydney Wanderers in 2013, when he made his A-League debut as a teenager. He spent six seasons with the club before moving to Wellington Phoenix in 2019, where he became a familiar figure in New Zealand football.
His time at Wellington was followed by a season with Newcastle Jets before he signed for Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters in 2023. However, a serious Achilles injury disrupted his move to India and prevented him from making a competitive league appearance for the club.
Sotirio eventually returned to Australia with Sydney FC in January 2025, making two A-League appearances before continuing his career in Singapore.
At Avondale, he joins a club looking to capitalise on its recent domestic success. The Victorian side claimed the 2026 NPL Victoria championship after defeating Oakleigh Cannons 4-3 on penalties following a goalless Grand Final, securing another major achievement in the club’s history.
Avondale have responded by making several significant additions ahead of the Australian Championship. Alongside Sotirio, the club has recruited former A-League players Panayioti Armenakas and Harry van der Saag, as well as Ryan Feutz, Niyah Joseph and several other players with experience across Australia’s National Premier Leagues.
The tournament will bring together 16 clubs divided into four groups, with Avondale drawn alongside Adelaide City, Wests APIA and Broadmeadow Magic in Group B. Their campaign begins away against Adelaide City before they return to Avenger Park for their first home match against Broadmeadow Magic.
For Sotirio, the move represents another chapter in a career that has taken him from Australia to New Zealand, India and Singapore. His pace, versatility and experience across several professional environments could provide valuable options as Avondale attempt to translate their Victorian success into national silverware.
The signing also gives New Caledonian football another connection to the Australian domestic game, with Sotirio continuing his club career in a country where he first established himself as a professional while remaining eligible to represent the Cagous internationally.
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