Najjarine is the most fouled player in the competition. In five games before the 1-all draw against Wanderers on Friday night, he had attracted 16 fouls.

The skilful playmaker has also been forced from the field in the past two games with ankle issues - a result of the treatment dished out by opposition defenders.

"Whether that is up to players to take that into their own hands or for the officials to dictate, it is something that probably needs to be addressed," Boogaard said.

"You want to see the best and most creative players, no matter who they play for, on the park and be allowed to do their thing. Ramy is one of our key creative players and oppositions have obviously looked at him that way and looked to nullify him.

"Players will defend a certain way, and, if they are allowed to, they will keep doing it. That's part and parcel of football. It is up to the referees to adjudicate what is acceptable.

"Ramy is a tough little unit and takes a knock pretty well. He will always be targeted because he is a threat. It's how he combats that, adjusts to that and takes it on board. That will make him moving forward."

Jets interim coach Craig Deans has also been impressed with Najjarine's resolve.

"I heard somewhere that he is the most fouled player in the competition," Deans said. "I have spoken to him about learning to know what is coming sometimes and positioning himself a bit better. He is a dangerous player and people make every effort they can to stop him playing. He is nursing a few bruises but he will be right."

Before joining the Jets on-loan from Melbourne City this season, Najjarine had only started in two of his 22 A-League appearances. He has been in the XI for six consecutive games with Newcastle and shapes as a key figure going forward.

After a hectic run of four games in 13 days, the players were given three days off and reassemble for training again on Tuesday.

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"We are the only side to have played six games. The break was definitely welcomed," Boogaard said. "The boys, the staff, everyone ... you could tell fatigue was starting to kick in. Mentally as well, getting yourself prepared and up for each game. Sometimes that can be as taxing as the physical outlay on game day.

"It is good for everyone to have a couple of days off and make sure we are ready to go again."

Bubbling along behind the scenes has been the Jets' coaching situation. Interviews were conducted with a shortlist of candidates last week.

"If you are asking for my personal opinion, I think Deansy has done a good job," said Boogaard, a 262-game veteran. "I don't think anyone could deny the fact that we are playing decent football ... I know he has the backing of the current squad. You can see that in the way we go out and play our football and believe in what he is getting us to do.

"At the end of the day, that is out of our control. We are just players and get told what to do by whoever is in charge, and the boys will adapt to whatever happens. We are just concentrating on the next game and performing."

The visit by City is the first of a run of three games in seven days for Jets, including a mid-week hit out against Western United.

However, Boogaard said it was possible that the schedule could be altered.

"It is good to have a longer week to recoup and get ready to go again," he said. "There is a chance they may adjust the draw again and we will go back to playing weekend to weekend while everyone else catches up."

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