An impressive A-League Men debut by Brisbane striker Charlie Austin wasn't enough to break the deadlock in a scoreless draw with Macarthur FC at Suncorp Stadium to open the new season.
The former English Premier League striker looked the most likely player to score on either side and it took a cracking save by Macarthur goalkeeper Filip Kurto to deny one of his precision headers in the second half.
Kurto's save came minutes after Macarthur had a golden opportunity when striker Anthony Carter had his shot denied by a desperate save by Roar goalkeeper Jordan Holmes.
Both sides created chances but lacked the finesse to finish them off.
Roar coach Warren Moon said it was a strong defensive performance by his side.
"We were strong on-the-ball and we created plenty of chances but just not quite there tonight with the final pass, final touch, final shot.
"It was a close but we've got to take the point and use it as a building block."
After winning the Australia Cup last week, Macarthur coach Dwight Yorke said it was always going to be tough to be at their best.
"I've been there. I understand that," the former Manchester United star said.
"When you become winners everyone wants a part of you and that is part and parcel of the game.
"Overall I thought we have done what we needed to do and made sure we didn't lose the game.
"I felt from a defensive standpoint we were fantastic."
The 33-year-old Austin, standing at an imposing 188cm, has impressed everyone at the club with his desire to get the Roar back in the finals and his positive influence in the change rooms has been contagious.
He brought that to the table on the field as well.
Austin sent a header just wide of the post in the first half and laid on a superb ball for Joe Knowles but he missed the target.
Moon said Austin "led the way" for his side.
"If we give Charlie chances he is going to score goals," he said.
Moon said left winger Carlo Armiento created plenty of chances and his link play with Austin would only improve.
There were missed opportunities from both sides in an opening half that was frenetic.
Macarthur should have taken the lead late in the half when Carter had a shot inside the box but sent his attempt high above the bar.
The Roar also squandered gift-wrapped chances.
Right wing Riku Danzaki failed to get any power behind one of his shots and Macarthur goalkeeper Filip Kurto had an easier save than he should have.
Macarthur's Daniel Arzani, who played for Australia at the 2018 World Cup, was substituted by Yorke on the hour-mark.
Arzani played on the wing and had some nice touches early but was unable to impose himself.
Yorke said Arzani "wasn't particularly at the races".
"We saw a glimpse but it wasn't enough," he said.
