Wilson has joined the Jets until the end of the season. The 25-year-old has started training, but is a couple of weeks away from being ready to contribute.

"Brandon joins us at a time where our match schedule has resulted in the need to ensure that the squad has the depth to keep progressing for the remainder of the season," Papas said.

"As someone who has captained the Australian under-23 national team and accumulated considerable experience, we feel Brandon can provide considerable quality and make an impact in the team."

Papas has been searching for a genuine No.6 since Cam Devlin triggered an exit clause at the start of the preseason to join Scottish club Hearts, where he has been in outstanding form at the base of their midfield.

The Jets received a modest transfer fee, believed to be less than $100,00, for Wilson who had signed a two-year deal but hadn't arrived in Newcastle, but his departure left a massive void.

Spaniard Mario Arques, 30, was essentially brought in to replace Devlin but is only just reaching peak fitness following a couple setbacks post quarantine.

Jordan O'Doherty and Angus Thurgate have performed well when anchoring the midfield but are more comfortable - and influential - when pushed further forward.

Wilson spent last season with SJK Akatemia in the Finnish second division and had been in England when contacted by Papas.

Prior to his stint in Finland, Wilson was with the Perth Glory and has 67 A-league appearances, including a season with Wellington.

Born in Botswana to English parents, Wilson has represented Australia at under-20 and 23 level and was part of the last Olympic qualifying campaign but didn't make the squad for Tokyo.

The loan deal for third string keeper Noah James to Victorian NPL club Dandenong created space on the roster for Wilson.

READ MORE: STRIKER REPAYS COACH'S CONVICTION

READ MORE: COACH WANTS MORE INTENT FROM JETS

The Jets, who drew 2-all with Macarthur on Saturday night, sit in eighth place 15 points with 14 games remaining.

They are away to second-placed Western United on Saturday before a catch up game against Wellington at Central Coast Stadium on March 9.

The Jets twice came from a goal down against Macarthur, but were left to rue a number missed chances and quality keeping from Bulls gloveman Filip Kurto.

Sammy Silvera hit the woodwork, while Kurto produced top draw efforts to deny Olivier Boumal and Daniel Penha.

They had 56 per cent of possession, won the shot count 16-12 and had more entries into the box. But again, they paid the price for sloppy errors in defence.

"The main thing we have been trying to do is get into those areas more consistently," Papas said.

"We are starting to do that again, which is important for us and the way we like to play. There needs to be outcomes as well. Sometimes you can overthink it. They need to trust each other and play more instinctual.

"From a character point of view it was positive. Two times we were behind in the game and we came back, that was really pleasing.

"There were still areas where if we do a little bit better that we should have come away with a little bit more from an outcome point of view."

He has a good pedigree. He has captained the Olyroos.