It’s a 19-man squad set to make the trip south to Melbourne this weekend, to take on the second-place Melbourne City.
Saturday night’s clash will be the Jets’ second against high-flying opposition in as many weeks, following last Friday’s loss to ladder leaders, Sydney FC.
Two youngsters have been promoted to the extended squad for the clash, with Maki Petratos in the mix along with Noah James.
James enters the fray due to the absence of veteran ‘keeper, Glen Moss, who is set to miss 4-6 weeks with a calf injury. It’s expected that Lewis Italiano will don the gloves this weekend.
With a 60 minutes in the legs last weekend, along with an assist and so nearly a goal, Abdiel Arroyo will be looking to build on that this weekend with the Panamanian back in the squad and expected to play a big part.
Although he’s still a way off, Wes Hoolahan returned to the training paddock (albeit on restricted duties) this week, and is determined to work his way back into the squad as soon as possible.
Newcastle Jets FC Squad: 2.Bobby BURNS, 3.Jason HOFFMAN, 5.Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6.Steven UGARKOVIC, 9.Abdiel ARROYO, 10.Dimi PETRATOS, 11.Nick FITZGERALD, 14.Kaine SHEPPARD, 16.Matt MILLAR, 18.Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 19.Kosta PETRATOS, 20.Lewis ITALIANO (gk), 22.Lachlan JACKSON, 25.Jack SIMMONS, 28.Pat LANGLOIS, 31.Maki PETRATOS, 32.Angus THURGATE, 40.Noah JAMES (gk), 44.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY (1-3 to be omitted)
Ins: 31.Maki PETRATOS (promoted), 40.Noah JAMES (promoted)
Outs: 1.Glen MOSS (calf – 4-6 weeks)
Unavailable: 1.Glen MOSS (calf – 4-6 weeks), 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (adductor – 1-2 weeks), 8.Wes HOOLAHAN (ankle – 6 weeks)
