How quickly times have changed.

After an impressive pre-season, the 26-year-old former Western United striker earned a two-year deal then banged in four goals in seven A-League matches for Newcastle to lead the club's scorers and be among the competition's best.

However, Yuel and his Jets teammates have since struggled to find the back of the net. Their only goal in the past three games was Angus Thurgate's winner - set up by Yuel - against Melbourne Victory on February 21.

After a frustrating night in front of goals in a 2-0 loss to Wellington on Sunday, Newcastle head to Coopers Stadium to take on Adelaide on Friday night aiming to rediscover their scoring touch and return to the top six. They dropped to 10^th on a congested table after the loss but remain only a point outside the six.

Yuel says he's learning all he can from Jets coaches Craig Deans, Daniel McBreen and Kew Jaliens to help spark a turnaround.

"I consider myself new to the level, so I'm taking in as much information as I can from all the coaches, from Deansy, Kew, Macca," Yuel said.

"[McBreen] just wants me to stay positive. He says not to get frustrated, especially when I'm not as involved in the game as I normally am. To be patient and trust my teammates to get the ball to us and just do what I do and keep working on my strengths and look to improve my weaknesses as well.

"Keep making those forward runs, try to create chances, not just for myself. Get in the areas and get the chances. Look to back myself and trust my teammates as well.

"If I'm not scoring, I'll look to add to the team anyway I can. If it's an assist or if it's to play that linking ball to create that assist.

"When it dries up for a striker, it's just keep doing those things.

"If I keep moving, the chances will come, instead of getting frustrated."

Yuel has started in all 10 games for Newcastle this season but competition for places has increased in recent weeks with several recruits boosting what was a threadbare squad.

His former Western United teammate Apostolos Stamatelopoulos is among those now pushing for a starting spot.

"It's always good when you have depth in the squad," Yuel said.

"Boys are looking to earn the shirt and get more game time. It keeps us on our toes and obviously it makes us want to work more ... to be creating more and to be looking at different ways we can add to the game and not become complacent, especially in the front third.

"Having more competition in the squad definitely increases the quality and demands the standard for us to be able to maintain our position."

Jason Hoffman (groin) and Ramy Najjarine (ankle) remain on the injured list for Newcastle and trained separately on Wednesday.

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