Ledley, the 33-year-old midfielder who played for an array of clubs in the United Kingdom and represented Wales on 77 occasions, joined the Jets mid-season and made six appearances.

He played three times before the season was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, then returned to his homeland during the hiatus. He subsequently flew back to Australia and spent 14 days in hotel quarantine before featuring in another three games. His wife and three children stayed in the UK during both stints.

At the time, Ledley said: "I want to be here next season.

"The big question will be what the situation is with families coming over.

"My wife and kids are desperate to come over and experience a new lifestyle."

But Jets CEO Lawrie McKinna told the Herald the club had been advised that there might be complications for overseas players hoping to bring their families Down Under.

"We can apply to get exemptions for them [players] to enter the country," McKinna explained.

"But it's going to be hard to bring their families.

"So if you're talking to a player and he might have to be out here for nine or 10 months, and he's married with kids, it makes it difficult.

"It's still possible, but it might be a long process and there'll be no guarantees we can get them in. It will depend on what happens."

At this stage, Irish striker Roy O'Donovan is Newcastle's only contracted overseas player, and he is hoping to be a naturalised Australian by the start of next season.

The Jets are also hopeful Panamanian Abdiel Arroyo will return for a second stint.

While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here

IN THE NEWS: