BERNIE Ibini believes his best football is ahead of him and the powerhouse striker plans to use the Jets' final four games as a springboard.
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The 27-year-old joined the Jets on a short-term deal in February.
At this stage "given everything that is going on in the world" he is unsure what the future holds.
The Jets are keen to keep him but are awaiting clarity on next season's salary cap and are yet to table an offer.
"I will play these four games, give my all, and then see what my next move will be," Ibini said. "I feel like I still have a lot to give. Physically and mentally I am in a good spot."
Ibini played the last of his two games for the Socceroos in 2015. He would, no doubt, have added more if not for a horror broken leg not long after arriving at Belgium powerhouse Club Brugge, which wiped out 18 months.
He has since had stints at Sydney, Vancouver Whitecaps, Emirates Club in the Middle East and Joenbuk Hyundai where he won a K-League title before linking with the Jets.
"I had my injury a couple of years ago now which brought a halt to my career," he said. "I have played in a fair few different countries since. It's hard to say where I have played my best."
Ibini, at 27, is approaching the prime of his career.
And Newcastle may just be the best environment for the forward to fulfil his potential.
He has reunited with coach Carl Robinson, under whom he spent 18 months in Vancouver, and rekindled partnerships with Dimi Petratos and Nick Fitzgerald that go back to their schoolboy days in Bankstown.
"I know how Carl works and he knows what to do to get the best out of me," Ibini said. "Knowing Dimi and Fitzy so well made it super easy. I have played a lot of football with Dimi. We went to Westfield Sports High together and have played in national [youth] teams together. "
Ibini had made two appearances off the bench, providing one assist, for the Jets before the competition was suspended on March 24 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I think, maybe the break helped me," he said. "I freshened up mentally and got to spend some time with my family. I haven't been able to do that for a few years because I have been overseas."
And with 12 days until the Jets resume their season against Sydney FC at Jubilee Stadium, Ibini is in "pretty good shape".
"Considering how long we had off - our last game was March 23 - the boys have come in at a really high standard," he said.
"I want to be starting. I came in mid-season and I knew for myself it was going to be about building to get into a starting position. I didn't have minutes or anything like that under my belt.
"Now, that it started from scratch for everyone, I definitely think I can push for a starting position and roll on from there. As a collective we want to do the best we can in the four games and give ourselves the best chance of making the finals."
The Jets will play a friendly against Western Sydney at NSW Football headquarters in Parklea next Wednesday.
