Progressing Newcastle Jets utility Nick Cowburn says the side are eager to replicate their last start performance against Melbourne City on Friday night when the team travels north to battle Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
Cowburn, who has featured in 13 of the clubs 18 Hyundai A-League matches so far this campaign, spoke to media following first team training at Ray Watt Oval at the University of Newcastle on Tuesday and said that the focus for the squad is to ensure that they repeat their positive display this Friday in the Sunshine State.
“It was a good performance on the weekend [against City], a good team performance,” Cowburn said. “In the second half we came out and executed the game plan.”
“We were structured and we had some joy in the final third, but we’re not getting too carried away with it.”
“We are going to put in the hard yards on the training paddock and try to replicate the performance against Melbourne City,” he said.
Since the departure of former Korea Republic Youth International Lee Ki-je to Ulsan Hyundai Cowburn has shared left back responsibilities with another of the club’s talented youngsters, Lachlan Jackson.
The 20-year-old, who can also play in midfield, is relishing the competition that he and Jackson have built up to earn a starting berth, believing individuals pushing one other day in day out on the training track is fundamental to the improvement of the team.
“Competition in training is great,” Cowburn declared. “Me and ‘Lachy’ [Jackson] are consistently trying to battle to take out that left back spot.”
“We are pushing each other and that means the quality for the team is going to improve,” he said.
The former Toronto Awaba junior knows Brisbane Roar, who are currently in second place on the Hyundai A-League standings, will pose a tough test on Friday evening.
But Cowburn also believes that if the Jets stick to their task and successfully follow the instructions set by their coaches they will be well in the game.
“Brisbane is a good side, and we are well aware of that,” he said.
“We’ll go over the game plan with the gaffer [Scott Miller] and ‘JP’ [Jean-Paul de Marigny].”
“They have a lot of youth and talent, Brisbane Roar. But every player in this league has class, and we just need to learn to deal with every individual.”
“If we defend like we did on the weekend then we should be fine,” he said.
Travelling fans can purchase tickets to Friday’s fixture here, however for those unable to attend in person there are a bevy of ways that you can engage with the match.
TELEVISION:
Watch Brisbane Roar vs. Newcastle Jets LIVE on FOX SPORTS 505 or on SBS TWO at 8pm on Friday.
RADIO:
Listen to Brisbane Roar vs. Newcastle Jets LIVE on 1233 ABC Newcastle , ABC Grandstand , or via A-League Live on 1143 2HD Newcastle .
TWITTER:
Follow LIVE match updates via the club’s official Twitter handle @NewcastleJetsFC . You can also join the conversation using #BRIvNEW.
FACEBOOK:
Pre-game, half time and full time updates will be shared via the club’s official Facebook page.
