The 26-year-old has spent the past five years playing in Scandinavia, most recently for Finnish league champions HJK Helsinki.

He has signed a one-year deal with Newcastle and shapes as a like replacement for long-serving Johnny Koutroumbis.

Having debuted for Victory as an 18-year-old, the left-sided defender played 24 A-League games over the next four seasons before heading abroad.

He initially played for two Norwegian clubs, Kongsvinger and IFK Mariehamn, before joining Helsinki earlier this year.

Jets coach Arthur Papas said Murnane had gained "considerable experience" during his time abroad.

"He is a very attacking-minded fullback who will provide a real threat down the left as well as being equally as comfortable playing inside," Papas said.

Murnane, who was on the fringe of Young Socceroos selection as a teenager, said he believes the Jets were "building something special" under new coach Papas.

"After speaking with Arthur about the football he wants to implement and the culture he wants to create it was an easy decision," he said.

"Moving to Newcastle is a great opportunity for myself after being abroad for many years. I've heard many great things about the club and the city, so I'm looking forward to settling in and meeting the boys.

"I hope we can create a special atmosphere in Newcastle this season and I look forward to playing a high-tempo attacking brand of football that all the fans will enjoy."

Murnane's signing continues a wholesale turnover at the Jets, who finished second-last last season.

Veterans Nigel Boogaard, Roy O'Donovan and Nikolai Topor-Stanley head the list of players who have moved on, along with Koutroumbis, Matt Millar, Lachlan Jackson, Luke Prso, Ali Abbas, Lewis Italiano and Liridon Krasniqi.

Their new-look line up will feature overseas internationals Olivier Boumal (Cameroon) and Beka Mikeltadze (Georgia), as well as proven A-League performers Matthew Jurman, Dane Ingham, Riley Warland and Jordan Elsey.