The squads are in for Sunday evening’s big match-up with the Central Coast Mariners, and there’s one name which is on everyone’s lips.
Roy O’Donovan has been named in his first Hyundai A-League squad since May, fresh back from a suspension which saw him miss the first eight rounds of the 2018/19 season.
While the temptation will be front and centre to propel the Irishman back into the Jets starting XI, it may be the case that Ernie Merrick sits the striker on the bench this weekend.
INFO: Get to Gosford on Sunday
With the boys looking as sharp as ever in training this week, Roy will have to show he’s got what it takes to knock Kaine Sheppard or Jason Hoffman from the starting lineup.
Also in the squad this weekend are Lachlan Jackson and Angus Thurgate, promoted into the 18 men which Merrick announced at midday Thursday.
The Mariners have also announced their squad for Sunday’s #F3Derby clash, and there are a collection of former Jets among those available.
Andrew Hoole and Mario Shabow are both in the mix for the Round 9 fixture with Mariners boss, Mike Mulvey suggesting the latter may feature in the starting XI.
There are a swag of players unavailable for the Mariners though – Tommy Oar, Corey Cameiro, Ross McCormack, Ben Kennedy, and Tom Hiariej are all out through injury.
Newcastle Jets: 1.Glen MOSS (gk), 3.Jason HOFFMAN, 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (c), 5.Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6.Steven UGARKOVIC, 7.Dimi PETRATOS, 8.Jair, 9.Roy O’DONOVAN, 10.Ronald VARGAS,13.Ivan VUJICA, 14.Kaine SHEPPARD, 16.Nick COWBURN, 17.Daniel GEORGIEVSKI, 20.Lewis ITALIANO (gk), 22.Lachlan JACKSON, 23.Matthew RIDENTON, 32.Angus THURGATE, 44.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 9. Roy O’DONOVAN (return from suspension), 22.Lachlan JACKSON (promoted), 32.Angus THURGATE (promoted)
Outs:
Unavailable: 24.Joe CHAMPNESS (foot – TBC)
Central Coast Mariners squad:3.Jack CLISBY, 4.Jake McGING, 5.Antony GOLEC, 7.Andrew HOOLE, 8.Michael McGLINCHEY, 11.Connor PAIN, 12.Adam PEARCE (gk), 13.Aiden O’NEILL, 15.Kye ROWLES, 16.Josh MACDONALD, 17.Peter KEKERIS, 18.Matt MILLAR, 19.Matt SIMON (c), 20.Kalifa CISSE, 22.Jacob MELLING, 23.Mario SHABOW, 24.Joe GAUCI, 25.Jordan MURRAY **two to be omitted**
Ins: 17.Peter KEKERIS, 22.Jacob MELLING (return from illness)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 10.Tommy OAR (knee), 21.Corey GAMEIRO (calf), 44.Ross McCORMACK (knee), 1.Ben KENNEDY (leg injury) & 6.Tom HIARIEJ (calf injury)
