JETS skipper Nigel Boogaard is ahead of schedule in his quest to return from a fractured leg but in no such rush to make the biggest decision of his career.
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Boogaard and Johnny Koutroumbis (knee) trained strongly on Thursday to indicate they are close to resuming after being sidelined for six and five games respectively, although Monday's clash with Western United at AAMI Park might be too big an ask.
"They've got great attitude to their rehab and professionalism away from the field, so they're probably a week or two ahead of schedule," Jets coach Craig Deans said.
Boogaard's haste to return to the field is in stark contrast to his deliberations over whether or not to play on next season.
Newcastle's longest-serving captain, who turns 35 in August, signed a one-year contract at the start of this campaign and has played in 12 of the Jets' 18 games.
The 269-game veteran was non-committal last month when asked about his plans, saying: "It will be a discussion I need to have with the coach and the training staff at the end of the season."
Deans said he and Boogaard spoke recently and he was happy for the towering defender to take his time making a decision.
"We had a good chat about what he wants out of his career and where he fits in the picture, not just next year but this year as well," Deans said.
"We were very honest with each other, but that's a private conversation.
"We need to follow up.
"That was just a preliminary chat to see where his head was at, and I'll follow that up in the next two or three weeks and be very respectful of him and his position and what he's given to this club, and to his football career in general.
"He's had a great career and is very, very important to the club, on the field and off the field.
"So there'll be no quick or hasty decision. It'll be a conversation with him and it's got to be something that suits himself and the club."
Boogaard's central-defensive partner, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, turned 36 last month but has already indicated he hopes to play on in 2021-22.
Topor Stanley told the Newcastle Herald last month: "As long as I am wanted and feel I can contribute - and I certainly feel that way - I will put my hand up to go around again."
While it is unclear if Boogaard hopes to join him, Deans had no such doubts about midfielder Ben Kantarovski, who is recovering from surgery to relieve a trapped nerve in his back.
The 29-year-old has been restricted by injuries and the coronavirus shutdown to five minutes of game time since February last year.
He won't play a game for Newcastle this season but Deans is confident he will bounce back.
"He's obviously got a contract here for next year, which we obviously would honour," Deans said.
"The thing for him now is to just get himself fit, and when he gets himself fit, get back on the park and see where he's at. If he's contributing then he's a valuable player for the club.
"There's no thought of telling him to hang his boots up."
Deans said Kantarovski, who has played a club-record 196 A-League games in 13 seasons with Newcastle, had copped "more than his fair share" of injuries over the years.
"We're really disappointed for him," Deans said. "He's popular around the change room and in the group, and as a coach he's great to work with.
"So it's disappointing for him, but like always he'll work hard and push himself and make sure he does everything to get himself back as early as possible."
