Murray, 22, is hot property in NPL circles as he enjoys a barnstorming season in NPL NSW racking up over 20 goals in the regular season as well as a brace in his sides victorious Waratah Cup Final. 

And just last night, APIA progressed to the round of 16 of theWestfield FFA Cup with a 1-nil win over Port Melbourne Sharks.

 

But Murray believes many more NPL players have what it takes.

The 22-year old has football in his blood growing up in the round ball nursery of Wollongong in New South Wales, a region that has produced countless professional footballers, namely golden generation Socceroos Scott Chiperfield and Luke Wilkshire. 

Murray had a ball at his feet since he was a little boy and inspiration from his father steered him onto the path of the beautiful game. 

Jordan's father Peter has skin in the game as well with nearly 80 matches and 14 goals in the NSL for APIA Leichardt and Wollongong Wolves in the early 1990's. 

The APIA forward knows he needs to make sacrifices on his path to professional football.

"Before i signed my first contract with my hometown club (Wollongong Wolves) I had just come off a nasty broken leg and before I even started I was questioning my future." 

"I work full-time as a sparky while travelling from Wollongong to Leichhardt three or four times a week. Sometimes i don't have time to shower or even eat."

Murray knows just a taste of the professional environment can make the difference for any player at NPL level. He believes it gives players the opportunity to see first hand the standard needed to make it at the top.

The 22-year old is grateful to A-League clubs who are willing to give young players a chance and he is happy that finally, efforts are being rewarded. 

Brisbane Roar recently signed gun striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls and the Central Coast Mariners signed up Matthew Millar, a young player who resurrected his chances in the A-League with South Melbourne.

Despite the trials and tribulations Murray is lucky to possess a special persistence to reach his goals. At the age of 22 he feels he has plenty of time to make an impact and encourages others on the same path to keep the faith, no matter what. 

"I was knocked back because of my size, I was always too skinny and thin but had to push myself, said Murray. 

"People tell you no and that you're not good enough but the best thing to do is prove people wrong. I do that every single week when i play. I want to prove people wrong."