Craig Deans has indicated Andrew Hoole is in line to make his first appearance of the season against Wellington on Sunday.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets assistant coach Craig Deans has indicated home grown winger Andrew Hoole is in line to make his first appearance of the season against Wellington Phoenix in Napier on Sunday.
The Broadmeadow Magic product is yet to feature for the Jets during the 2013/14 campaign, but has trained strongly in recent months and is staking a strong claim for a berth against the Phoenix.
Speaking after Tuesday morning-s session, Deans indicated that Hoole-s inclusion will provide much needed energy and enthusiasm into the Jets outfit.
“We had a look at young Hooley in the front third, he has a lot of natural aggression and positivity about himself, so that-s the sort of the thing we-re looking for,” he said.
“He has real self-belief that he can make a difference, so I think someone like him is a good chance (of playing).”
The Jets have yet to score in the opening two rounds but were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty against Perth after Nathan Burns was brought down inside the area.
Deans believes Hoole-s dynamic playing style will provide much needed impetus into the Jets front third and compliment the likes of Nathan Burns and Michael Bridges.
“He-s very good one on one, he-s got some pace, he backs himself and he thinks he can score goals,” Deans said.
“He thinks he can beat people, so I think in a wide area at this stage is something that will suit him.”
Deans said the team were disappointed with their performance on the weekend and have yet to hit their straps so far this season.
“We were a bit disappointed in ourselves in that we didn-t play with the ball as much as we normally would and we let ourselves down in controlling the game the way we would like to,” he said.
“We haven-t played anywhere near as well as we would like to play, we have a lot of improvement in us and we have to make sure we push the players to get that improvement.
“They-re keen to get back on the pitch and get their season off and running, they still have a strong focus on what they need to do.”
The Jets have an unhappy record in New Zealand but will be buoyed that the game has been moved from Wellington-s fortress the ‘Cake Tin- to the rural McLean Park in Napier.
“We have a belief now, we have no fear going there knowing that it-s not something that we can-t cope with,” Deans said.
