COACH Ernie Merrick is confident the Jets are headed in the right direction ahead of the FFA Cup quarter-final against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.
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The Jets have the next four days off to freshen up after a gruelling pre-season tournament in the Gold Coast that included two games in three days.
They went down 3-1 to a new-look Brisbane Roar on Sunday and then on Tuesday night beat Perth Glory 4-3 on penalties after the score was locked at 1-all at full-time.
The squad then made the trek home by bus, stopping in Lismore and Coffs Harbour to conduct coaching clinics.
"The whole exercise was about making sure the players played a couple of quality games in a short period of time under duress and under fatigue," Merrick said. "They also had a bit of mental pressure on them to do well in the tournament. They have come through with flying colours. Some of them had to play virtually two full games in three days and they did it well.
"I don't think there was one player who let us down. We got a lot of strength and belief out of the games.
"It has set us up well for the FFA Cup game with Adelaide in less than two weeks."
Adelaide are the cup holders and coming off a 3-2 win over Queensland National Premier League side Brisbane Olympic.
The Reds beat the Jets 1-0 in the round of 32 in 2017, Merrick's first competitive game in charge of Newcastle.
The Jets went a step further last year in the nationwide knockout, going down to Melbourne City 1-0 in the round of 16.
The clash against Adelaide on September 17 is the first time Newcastle has progressed to the final eight.
In a boost, senior players Glen Moss, Nikolai Topor-Stanley and possibly Nigel Boogaard will be available after recovering from injury.
Moss' back-up Lewis Italiano was the hero against Perth, twice diving to his left to save penalties in the shootout.
"Lewis was really good," Merrick said. "I hope he pushes Glen Moss more. Even Glen has said that. The harder Lewis pushes Glen, he gets better as well. He appreciates the challenge."
After beating Edgeworth 5-1 in the FFA Cup round of 16, Merrick said the step up to A-League opposition was the ideal preparation for Adelaide.
"The Roar are a different team under Robbie Fowler. There is a lot of go about them," Merrick said.
"I'd say Perth Glory are going to be one of the better sides again. They were really sharp and dangerous up front. Castro caused us some problems as usual. They are a good side.
"It has been a good exercise in bringing the team together, working hard, playing tough opposition and getting a good performance on the park and a good result in the second game."
