Newcastle Jets ace Andrew Nabbout believes there will be plenty of players eager to make an impact in training this week as the Jets look to Sunday’s second F3 Derby of the season.
With three players – Nigel Boogaard, Wayne Brown and Ma Leilei – suspended for the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 Round 21 contest, Nabbout expects training to possess a ‘fiery’ edge as individuals and the team seek to lift ahead of the latest edition of the regional rivalry.
“It’s (Sunday) a chance for three boys to step in and do a job,” Nabbout said when asked about the suspensions that the team has incurred.
“We have got players who have been itching to get on the park for a long time now and it gives them a chance to show the gaffer (Mark Jones) what they have got.”
“Training is going to be very fiery for players trying to get into that eleven,” he said.
Although still relatively new to Newcastle, Nabbout said he understands the importance of the F3 Derby to the Club’s Members and supporters.
He’s also sure that a desperate and hungry Mariners outfit will arrive at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday.
“I know what it (the F3 Derby) means to the people of Newcastle,” he said. “It’s a massive game for the supporters.”
“It’s extra special for the supporters and for us to get three points this week would repay our faith in them because they have supported us very well this year.”
“They (Mariners) lift for these types of games and they have got players in that team who are going to really pump up that side.”
“We have got to stick to our structure, stick to our guns, and if we put in a performance like we did against Victory then we will definitely get a result,” he said.
Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners drew 1-1 in the first F3 Derby of the season back in round 7 – a match where Nabbout made a brilliant assist for former Danish international Morten Nordstrand to score.
Click here to read more facts about the F3 Derby.
Newcastle Jets vs. Central Coast Mariners – Hyundai A-League 2016/17 Round 21
Date: Sunday 26 February 2017
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Kick-off: 5pm
Gates open: 4pm
Tickets: Please click here to purchase match tickets
TV Broadcast: Watch LIVE on FOX SPORTS 505
Radio Broadcast: Listen LIVE on 1233 ABC Newcastle
Social Media: Join the match conversation using #F3Derby & #ALeague
