It was the first time Hoolahan, the former Irish international and Norwich City skipper, had teamed up with Panamanian striker Arroyo since the former arrived in Newcastle last week.

The overseas recruits and Socceroo Dimi Petratos formed a three-pronged strike force and looked threatening from the outset.

The diminutive Hoolahan, playing wide on the right, covered plenty of turf and was as enthusiastic chasing and tackling as he was distributing the ball.

Arroyo showed the pace and athleticism that seems certain to worry A-League defenders.

Hamilton were well organised and resolute in defence in the opening exchanges but it was only a matter of time before the Jets' edge in class prevailed. The opening goal came via a long-range shot from Johnny Koutroumbis in the 26th minute.

Barely a minute later, acting skipper Jason Hoffman found space on the left flank and centred for Arroyo, who produced a predator's finish to make it 2-0.

Jets coach Ernie Merrick dropped Hoolahan deeper after half-time to have a brief look at him in a midfield playmaker's role.

Both Arroyo and Hoolahan were substituted 10 minutes into the second half, when Merrick made wholesale changes.

"Wes hasn't played for a while, but he's very fit and he linked up well with Dimi," Merrick said. "And Arroyo up front, he took one goal but he possibly could have had a couple more, because he was in the right place for a cross or a through ball.

"So I was happy with them, and how we played overall.

"And full credit to Hamilton, they played really well in that first half."

The Jet's next assignment will be their FFA Cup clash with Edgeworth Eagles on Wednesday.