Jobe Wheelhouse is back in full training, but is unlikely to play in Wednesday’s game against the NBN State League Select.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets captain Jobe Wheelhouse has returned to full training this week, but is unlikely to play in Wednesday night-s trial game against the NBN State League Select at Darling Street Oval.
Wheelhouse had surgery to remove a bursa from his left foot in May. After having a modified program during the Jets- four-day pre-season camp Canberra, the 27-year-old has returned to full training this week.
However Jets assistant coach Craig Deans said it was unlikely Wheelhouse would see any game time against the NBN State League Select team tomorrow night.
“We-ll see how he pulls up today,” Deans said.
“He might get a little run towards the end to ease him back in, but it would be about 20 minutes max, if anything.”
Deans said having Wheelhouse back in full training with the rest of the playing group was a big boost to the Club.
“Jobe is a quality player, he-s good on the ball, his passing range is good and his communication is good,” Deans said.
“He-s now one of the older players in the group and he-s taken that responsibility quite well so far this year.”
Having been given the captain’s armband last season, Wheelhouse-s leadership qualities are beginning to flourish within the younger squad the Jets are assembling for the coming A-League season.
“Last year we had a lot of older players and maybe he felt it wasn-t as much his own responsibility,” Deans said.
“We-ve spoken to him this year about where he is as a captain and as a player.
“He-s been at the Club since the first season of the A-League and he knows what we-re all about. He knows what-s expected of the captain at this Club and he-s been a positive influence on the group.
“He-ll look to build on his fitness and build on his contribution as a leader of the group.”
