The Jets’ five Socceroos representatives will feature in tomorrow’s pre-season trial match against the Canberra NPL All Stars.
The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets will face the Canberra NPL All Stars in a pre-season trial match at McKellar Park on Wednesday night.
The Jets have travelled to the nation-s capital with a strong squad led by captain and Australian national team representative Ruben Zadkovich.
Recently capped Socceroos Mark Birighitti, Josh Brillante, Craig Goodwin and Adam Taggart will also feature in the contest, which will see the Jets pitted against some of the ACT-s top footballing talents.
Newcastle head coach Gary van Egmond said the Jets were looking forward to a difficult hit-out against the Canberra NPL All Stars.
“We-ve brought a strong squad with a number of experienced A-League players because we know we-re in for a tough match,” van Egmond said.
“It will be another great opportunity for football fans in Canberra to see an A-League team in action as well as catching a glimpse of current and future Socceroos.
“I-m sure it will be a high quality match and one all the fans will enjoy.”
Late arrivals Emile Heskey and Nathan Burns are among those who won-t travel to Canberra for the match.
Injured players Michael Bridges (calf), Sam Gallaway (knee), James Brown (ankle), Josh Mitchell (knee), Mitch Cooper (knee), Connor Chapman (calf) and Zenon Caravella (achilles) will also remain in Newcastle.
Van Egmond said Heskey is still a couple of weeks away from being ready to take part in his first trial match of the pre-season.
“The players have had quite a heavy workload over the past couple of weeks so it-s important we don-t overburden them,” van Egmond said.
“We also have to be mindful of the fact that we have a trial match against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday, so it-s just about monitoring how much work each individual is doing and adjusting their program accordingly.
“In Emile-s case, he has arrived a bit later in the pre-season, so it-s important we ease him back into training before he starts playing any games.”
Wednesday night-s match at McKellar park kicks-off at 7pm. Tickets for the match are on sale now from the Capital Football Office or can be purchased on the gate at the match. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for concessions.
Newcastle Jets v Canberra NPL All Stars
McKellar Stadium, McKellar
Wednesday, August 21st
Kick-off 7pm
