Cameroon international Olivier Boumal believes the new-look Jets will be "terrible for the other team" once they get up to speed with coach Arthur Papas' demanding style of play.
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But the attacking weapon concedes that could take a few games.
Papas' overhauled squad clash with Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday night at CommBank Stadium, after falling to Central Coast 2-1 in round one last Sunday at home.
Newcastle showed signs of their attacking potential but turnovers led to a 2-0 deficit early in the second half.
The Jets hit back through Valentino Yuel then pushed for an equaliser late but it was not enough. Now they face an even tougher task away to the Wanderers.
Boumal is no stranger to Papas' high-intensity, possession-based football. In 2018, he played under Ange Postecoglou at Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos, who brought in Papas as an assistant the following season.
He said Papas' style was "almost the same" as he experienced in Japan.
"I think that was a reason also that made me take this decision to come here because I know this kind of football," Boumal said.
"We need to be ready physically to practice this kind of football because it demands a lot of runs and concentration.
"Of course, our way to play is not easy, but in a few games, we're going to be terrible for the other team.
"I think everything was good [against Mariners]. Unfortunately we didn't get the result we want, but I think we showed that we can play good football and I think there are a lot of good things to come."
Boumal believed he too had improvement to come. He came off in the 64th minute against the Mariners, after which substitutes Yuel and Sam Silvera helped Newcastle get back in the game.
"I can reach more, I can do more," Boumal said.
"I didn't reach my level yet but I think it will come game after game. I think I will show off what I'm capable to do."
Newcastle's first away game of the season is sure to bring an intense atmosphere, given the number of former Jets in the Wanderers' side and their vocal fan base.
Boumal, though, was not easily intimidated after experiencing the biggest derbies in Greece while playing with Panathinaikos.
"You have to be strong mentally," he said. "I think for us most important is to play our football, to try to play the way our coach wants us to play, with a lot of calm and don't put too much emotional things in our football, otherwise we will go out of the game and we lose the control."
Papas said it was a positive start in the league for Boumal against Central Coast.
"He got in behind Storm Roux numerous times throughout the game and [put in] some good balls," Papas said. "We've spoken about the type of runs we're making in the box, getting more numbers in the box as well, but I know what Oli's about and Oli's the type of player who can really excite people and he's just got to keep working hard, that's the main thing."
The coach, though, said the high turnover of players and lack of matches as a full squad would not be used as an excuse for a slow start from Newcastle.
"Regardless of how many practice matches, how many new players there are, I think when you start the league season you are expected to be ready," he said. "And for large elements, we are in a very good spot and just want to keep improving."
Papas flagged possible changes to his side on Thursday but said Jason Hoffman remained in the mix despite coming off early in round one with an adductor issue. Left-back Dylan Murnane could debut for the club after overcoming injury.
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