Abdiel Arroyo (Panama), Matthew Ridenton (New Zealand) and Bobby Burns (Northern Ireland under-21s) are away on international duty, while Wes Hoolahan and Kaine Sheppard remain on the unavailable list because of hamstring injuries.

In addition, skipper Nigel Boogaard missed last week's 1-all draw with Perth because of a groin problem and it remains to be seen if coach Ernie Merrick rushes him back.

That means young tyros Angus Thurgate, Pat Langlois, Kosta Petratos and Jack Simmons have been named in Newcastle's squad, and Ugarkovic had faith in them to make the most of any opportunity.

"It's obviously good that the boys have been called up to their national teams and hopefully they do well over there," Ugarkovic said.

"But it's up to the players that are left here to get the job done this week. We've got boys in the team that can play multiple positions, like Paddy and Angus, young boys getting a chance like Kosta and Jack, so hopefully if they get called upon they can do the job and work hard for us."

After their first four outings, the Jets are adamant they have played better than two losses and two draws would suggest.

But they also acknowledge that they need to start climbing the competition ladder sooner rather than later, to avoid the prospect of playing catch-up at the business end of the season.

"It's a close season, obviously, and if we get that win, we're just outside the top six,'' Ugarkovic said.

"Then we can push on from there. It's just about sticking to our game plan, working hard and grabbing those goals."

Ugarkovic said cool heads will be the key for Newcastle as they chase their first win of the season.

The 25-year-old, who has not missed a game for the Jets in their past three seasons, created Newcastle's goal last week with a pinpoint pass to Jason Hoffman. Hoffman controlled the ball and fired home a left-foot shot, and Ugarkovic said that was an example of the composure Newcastle need to show in finishing opportunities.

"I think we've shown a lot of desperation in defence and attack, so I don't think it's a case of more desperation," Ugarkovic said.

"It's more about keeping our heads in those positions and picking out the corners and finding the back of the net.

"I think that would be more of an accurate statement, not more so desperation, because the boys have given everything they can to get into those positions.

"It's just a bit of luck, or a lack of finishing, that has hurt us."

With Rindenton out, Ugarkovic is expected to partner Ben Kantarovski in an experienced midfield.