Newcastle Jets Head Coach Mark Jones may welcome up to four star players back into his matchday squad for this Sunday’s clash with Brisbane Roar at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Jets have defeated the Roar – who were hammered 6-0 by Ulsan Hyundai in Korea Republic this week – twice this campaign, and will be looking to round out a clean-sweep of season 12 triumphs against the Queenslanders.
The preliminary additions of Nigel Boogaard, Wayne Brown, Ma Leilei (all from suspension) and Jack Duncan (injury) will undoubtedly boost the side after a last start F3 Derby draw against Central Coast Mariners last Sunday.
As a result of the additions of Boogaard, Brown, Ma and Duncan, Joel Allwright and Pierce Clark have been omitted from Jones’ preliminary picks.
Ben Kantarovski made his return from injury in last week’s Derby stalemate, and may see more match minutes against John Aloisi’s arsenal.
Jones has indicated that Finnish finisher Aleksandr Kokko will retain his place in the club’s starting side after he netted his first goal – a clinical header – against the Mariners.
A win for the Jets on Sunday evening – kick-off 7:00pm – could see Newcastle re-enter the Hyundai A-League’s top six. Jets (seventh) are currently two points behind Western Sydney Wanderers (sixth).
Jets vs. Roar match tickets can be purchased here.
Preliminary Newcastle Jets Squad vs. Brisbane Roar: 2. Daniel MULLEN, 3. Jason HOFFMAN, 4. Nigel BOOGAARD (C), 5. Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6. Steven UGARKOVIC, 7. Andrew HOOLE, 8. Mateo POLJAK, 9. Aleksandr KOKKO, 10. Wayne BROWN, 15. Andrew NABBOUT, 16. Nicholas COWBURN, 18. MA Leilei, 19. Morten NORDSTRAND, 20. Jack DUNCAN (Gk), 22. Lachlan JACKSON, 23. Devante CLUT, 28. John KOUTROUMBIS, 50. Tomislav ARČABA (Gk)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 4. Nigel BOOGAARD (C) (returns from suspension), 10. Wayne BROWN (returns from suspension), 18. MA Leilei (returns from suspension), 20. Jack DUNCAN (returns from injury)
Outs: 29. Joel ALLWRIGHT (omitted), 30. Pierce CLARK (Gk) (omitted)
Unavailable: 1. Ben KENNEDY (Gk) (achilles – season), 21. Daniel ALESSI (knee – season)
