NICK Cowburn has missed out on a sentimental farewell to his home ground after being omitted from Newcastle's squad for Saturday's season-ending clash with Sydney FC at McDonald Jones Stadium.
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Cowburn is one of six players Jets officials have confirmed they will be releasing, along with South American imports Ronny Vargas and Jair, defender Daniel Georgievski and and fringe players Kwabena Appiah and Jake Adelson.
Given that Newcastle can't make the finals, offering players a swansong game was a possible option for coach Ernie Merrick.
Instead he has named his strongest line-up, reinstating senior players Nigel Boogaard, Glen Moss, Ben Kantarovski and Vargas after they were rested for last week's 6-1 win against Brisbane.
Teenagers Angus Thurgate and Pat Langlois were retained in the preliminary 18-man squad, along with Appiah, although two players are still to be omitted.
Cowburn, a Toronto-Awaba junior, followed a proud family tradition when he debuted for the Jets in November, 2014.
His father, Brett, was a foundation player for KB United who played in 45 national league games, while his elder brother Jason made one appearance off the bench for Newcastle United.
Nick has since made 68 A-League appearances for the Jets and represented Australia at under-20 and under-23 level. This season he has received limited opportunities, appearing in 10 A-League games, four times in the starting line-up.
He scored his maiden A-League goal in the 1-all draw with Sydney in round four and set up a goal for Matthew Ridenton in the 3-1 win against Persija Jakarta in the Asian Champions League.
The 24-year-old is yet to secure a club for next season but it is understood Jets officials would be happy to recommend him, as a player and clubman.
Georgievski has been a regular for the Jets over the past two seasons, playing in 42 games, including last season's grand final.
The 31-year-old will link with Western Sydney next season after declining an offer to re-sign with the Jets.
Jair, the Brazilian winger, has not played in Newcastle's last three games, after an underwhelming season in which he delivered two goals in 20 appearances. Vargas will be hoping to leave Jets fans with fond memories when he makes the 30th appearance of an injury-disrupted two-season stint.
Sydney's retiring skipper Alex Brosque, who has scored more goals against the Jets (14) than any player, will not have a chance to add to the tally, having been ruled out with a heel injury.
