NEWCASTLE Jets are set to play Adelaide United in Griffith on September 22 in one of at least three pre-season hit-outs against A-League opposition.
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The Jets have also locked in trials away to Sydney FC and Melbourne City and have been approached by other regional centres to host friendlies.
In previous years, the Jets have had to chase trials.
But the club’s turnaround last season, culminating in the controversial 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory in the A-League grand final, has made them a draw card.
Griffith Council will underwrite the clash against Adelaide.
“We will get down there and do some promotions,” Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna said. “It is still to be locked in but they are very keen on it. It is a wee bit easier to get games and there is more demand for us. Adelaide will be a great opposition. It is always good to play A-League teams at the pointy end of the pre-season.”
Dubbo Regional Council had also approached the Jets about a game but it clashed with FFA Cup fixtures and Maitland Council are keen to host an F3 Derby trial at Maitland Sportsground.
“We are happy to play a game up there in Maitland, of course, but nobody has spoken to us about it,” McKinna said.
The Jets are also close to finalising a pre-season trip to Madrid where there will play in a tournament hosted by La Liga club Leganés from July 24 to August 5.
The Jets assemble for pre-season training on June 28. Their first game will be against a Northern NSW Select side in early July.
Meanwhile, Jets recruit Matthew Ridenton has been selected in a New Zealand squad to play against India, Kenya and Chinese Taipei in Mumbai from June 1-10.
