The Newcastle Jets are delighted to announce Chris Zoricich and Greg Hartge as the Head Coaches of the Men’s and Women’s Youth Teams.
As a player, Zoricich played across New Zealand, England and Australia, which included a three-year spell at Newcastle between 2000 and 2003. He also represented New Zealand 57 times, captaining his country at the 1999 and 2003 Confederations Cup. More recently, he spent three seasons as the Head Coach of Cooks Hill United, helping them qualify for the Australia Cup Round of 16. He also served as an assistant coach under Damian Zane for our Youth team last season.
Zoricich said,
“Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge the great work Damian Zane did in the youth whilst he was at the Jets. He brought me in as his assistant last season, and I saw first-hand not only the quality of coaching he brought into the environment, but the unseen hours of work dedicated to the youth space across all age groups. I’m happy to be named Head Coach of the Jets Youth Team, coming back to a club where I have fond memories of playing. I’m very keen to continue with that work ethic and help continue developing youth players. My main objective for now will be to create an even stronger connection between the Youth Team and the A-League squad. Already we have had several youth players graduate to the A-League squad, which is testament to Damian’s work with them and the willingness of Mark Milligan to give young players an opportunity.”
Greg Hartge spent ten years with the Central Coast Mariners, rising through the ranks of their academy to become the Head Coach of their Women’s Youth Team. In 2025, he led the Mariners Youth Team to third place in the FNSW League One, helping them qualify for finals.
Hartge said,
“I enjoyed my time where I have previously coached, but when I spoke with Nigel and he explained to me the vision of the Newcastle Jets moving forward, I was excited to take up the opportunity to work with such a young, talented group and prepare them to take the next step into our A League Women’s squad.”
