Ernie Merrick has named his squad for Saturday night’s clash with Western United, and international duty means it’s a thin one.
With three outs due to international duty (Bobby Burns, Abdiel Arroyo, and Matt Ridenton) and two long-term injuries to contend with, Merrick has named just 16 players to make the trip to Geelong.
Given all three of those players saw minutes in last weekend’s draw with Perth Glory, it means there are opportunities for other boys to step in and make their mark.
Jack Simmons has been promoted to the bench for the trip to Western United and could be an option in the midfield, as could Ben Kantarovski who has seen minutes from the bench in the last three outings.
Nigel Boogaard has also come back into the squad after missing out last week due to a groin problem and is a chance to rejoin the starting XI this Saturday night.
Newcastle Jets FC Squad: 1.Glen MOSS (gk), 3.Jason HOFFMAN, 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (c), 5.Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6.Steven UGARKOVIC, 10.Dimi PETRATOS, 11.Nick FITZGERALD, 16.Matt MILLAR, 18.Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 19.Kosta PETRATOS, 20.Lewis ITALIANO (gk), 22.Lachlan JACKSON, 25.Jack SIMMONS, 28.Pat LANGLOIS, 32.Angus THURGATE, 44.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY
Ins: 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (return from injury), 25.Jack SIMMONS (promoted)
Outs: 2.Bobby BURNS, 9.Abdiel ARROYO, 23.Matt RIDENTON (all international duty)
Unavailable: 2.Bobby BURNS (international duty), 8.Wes HOOLAHAN (ankle – indefinite), 9.Abdiel ARROYO (international duty), 14.Kaine SHEPPARD (foot – indefinite), 23.Matt RIDENTON (international duty)
