Newcastle could finish their pre-season match schedule with a private trial against the Young Socceroos on Saturday week after a clash with Melbourne City was cancelled.
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The Jets were set to take on Central Coast this Saturday in Maitland and City away the following weekend to round out preparations for the A-League season, which for them starts against the Mariners in round two on October 19.
However, the Central Coast trial was cancelled once the two teams were drawn to face off early in the A-League.
Jets CEO Lawrie McKinna said the away trial against City was cancelled after an unexpected cost blow-out for the trip, as well as the potential of the clubs meeting in the FFA Cup semi-final. Newcastle subsequently lost 1-0 to Adelaide and City progressed 3-0 over Wanderers to take on Brisbane next Tuesday.
Newcastle will now train this Saturday then potentially play the Gary van Egmond-coached Australian under-20 side, which will be in a training camp.
McKinna said a venue for the match was still being sought. Merrick said if the game went ahead, it would be the Jets' last before the season kick-off.
"We've played nine matches, six of them against A-League sides and I've been pretty happy with the way we've been playing," Merrick said.
"So the next two weeks it will be the type of training you've seen there, very high intensity."
