Jai Ingham's career with Central Coast Mariners has ended before it began after the club's new recruit left Gosford without kicking a ball in a competitive game to sign for Brisbane Roar.

The New Zealand international joined the Mariners from Melbourne Victory at the end of last season but chose not to play for Central Coast after receiving a chance to return to his hometown club, Brisbane.

Jai Ingham had joined the Mariners from the Melbourne Victory. AAP

The 25-year-old winger was signed by the Mariners former coach, Mike Mulvey, but wasn't set to have as pivotal role under his replacement Alen Stajcic.

Sources suggest he has was granted a release from his contract with the Mariners who will look to use his wages for other signings inside their salary cap. He took no part in Central Coast's 2-0 win over Maitland in the FFA Cup on Wednesday before linking up with Robbie Fowler's Roar side the next day.

“I’m really excited to be back,” Ingham said.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity, especially to play under Robbie Fowler. I think it’s going to be a great year for Brisbane Roar and I’m very excited. I can’t wait to learn off him. I’ve learnt a lot at my previous clubs and I can’t wait to continue learning here in Brisbane."

The Mariners wasted little time to relocate Ingham's wages elsewhere, signing Australian international goalkeeper Mark Birighitti. The 28-year-old joins after a frustrating season with Melbourne City where he struggled for game time, signed initially for the first-team but was overlooked for veteran goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic.

He arrives at Gosford replacing Ben Kennedy as the Mariners' first-choice goalkeeper this season, joining after spells with NAC Breda in the Netherlands, Swansea, Adelaide United and rivals Newcastle Jets. He cited working with former Juventus and Verona goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan, now goalkeeping coach at the Mariners, as one of the main reasons for his move to Central Coast.

“I’ve spoken with the coaching staff and it seems like a perfect fit – their plan enticed me, it’s an historical club, an ambitious club and getting the Mariners back to where they should be, is something I want to be a part of," Birighitti said.

“I’ve worked with Jess [Vanstrattan] before and he’s one of the best goalkeeping coaches I’ve ever worked with. Knowing that he’s at the club played a big part in my decision. The Mariners are a family club, I’ve heard that it’s a great playing group they’ve got there, a really tight group. We want to be successful and that’s why I am here. My main objective now is to work hard during the pre-season, have a great season and help the Mariners get back on that pedestal."