A settled squad remains for Jets boss, Ernie Merrick as he names an unchanged 18-man squad for this weekend’s clash with the Sky Blues.
With three players unavailable for the long term in O’Donovan, Koutroumbis and Champness, there has been no need for drastic change from Merrick off the back of some strong performances in the opening round – despite the lack of results.
Y-LEAGUE: Squad settled for 2018/19
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Midfielders, Nick Cowburn and Angus Thurgate return to the squad following their omission from match day in Round 3 and both will be pushing for a spot on the training pitch this week.
Ben Kantarovski’s fitness is continuing to improve and a solid shift in the closing stages against Victory will leave Merrick with a tough decision in midfield.
Johnny Koutroumbis and Joey Champness continue to progress with their rehabilitation.
Newcastle Jets Round 4 squad:
1.Glen MOSS (gk), 3.Jason HOFFMAN, 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (c), 5.Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6.Steven UGARKOVIC, 7.Dimi PETRATOS, 8.Jair, 10.Ronald VARGAS, 11.Mitch AUSTIN, 13.Ivan VUJICA, 14.Kaine SHEPPARD, 16.Nick COWBURN, 17.Daniel GEORGIEVSKI, 20.Lewis ITALIANO (gk), 22.Lachlan JACKSON, 23.Matthew RIDENTON, 32.Angus THURGATE, 44.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 16.Nick COWBURN (promoted), 32.Angus THURGATE (promoted)
Outs:
Unavailable: 9.Roy O’DONOVAN (suspension – 5 rounds), 18.Johnny KOUTROUMBIS (illness – TBC), 24.Joe CHAMPNESS (foot – TBC)