The 19-year-old, though, has already provided a glimmer of hope late in a wretched season for Newcastle, who need at least a draw in the rescheduled clash with the premiers to avoid the wooden spoon.

The former Canberra Youth player, originally from Merimbula, has moved into the spotlight, along with 16-year-old striker Archie Goodwin, in the past two games as the Jets battle to get off the bottom.

He scored in the 2-0 win over Central Coast last Tuesday then set up the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Perth Glory on Saturday night which momentarily lifted Newcastle above Melbourne Victory on goal difference.

Mauragis made several incisive runs down the left flank against Glory and he found Angus Thurgate with one in the 70^th minute. Thurgate's chip from an acute angle came off Jonathan Aspropotamitis and in to give Newcastle a point.

Victory found their own equaliser on Sunday against City to again relegate Newcastle to last. The Jets' postponed game against City has yet to be locked in but it appears Thursday night at a Sydney venue, played behind closed doors, is likely.

When asked what he wanted out of the final match, Mauragis said: "Three points, finish on a real high and give the fans something to look forward to next season."

Mauragis made his starting debut in round three against Wanderers but an ankle injury sustained while playing for the Jets Youth in NSW NPL 4 in March stalled his rise.

He said he'd taken "a lot" of confidence from his recent starts.

"I think over the season I haven't got that big of a game, that opportunity, and coming over these last two games, it's unbelievable for me to build that confidence," he said.

"I'm just incredibly grateful that [coach Craig Deans] had the belief in me and he's given me that opportunity.

"Obviously it was a bit hard for me during the season as I copped an injury but I'm really happy to be back out there."

Mauragis, who has re-signed for two more seasons beyond this year, said it was disappointing Deans was stepping side but he was just focused on taking his game to another level at Newcastle next campaign.

"Obviously it's new to me as this is my first proper season in a professional side," he said of Deans' shock announcement last week that he would not be in charge next season.

"But I feel like I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing and as a team too, we've just got to keep working hard."

He said Newcastle "is the best place for me I think and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else".

"I want to step it up to another level [next season]," he said. "I want to be more consistent and help the team out next season as much as I can.

"Fitness for me is something that I can always have during games, I can always rely on that, but I really want to be more consistent with my performances and technically improve a little bit and get more comfortable on the ball and really help the team that way."

After the draw with Perth, Deans said: "Lucas is improving all the time. His fitness is unbelievable.

"It's nice balance with his left foot on that side, he's getting better with the ball, he's getting a bit more calm on the ball, which obviously comes with more game time and being more comfortable at this level.

"I'm happy for Lucas, Archie and Blake [Archbold] as well. They are all hopefully on a path of a football career for many years and I'm looking forward to watching them."