Hands off: Stanton developing ways to keep young guns on board at Jets

As soon as one of the A-League's big clubs come knocking for a rising star, bang they are gone.

Jets coach Rob Stanton is determined to curb that trend. The early signs are good.

The Jets don't have the finances to compete with the likes of Sydney FC, Melbourne City and other heavy hitters.

However, an opportunity to play regular minutes under a coach with a record of developing players is proving a formidable bargaining tool.

Olyroos defender Mark Natta reportedly turned down approaches from Sydney, Melbourne City and cashed-up new franchise Auckland to on Thursday sign a two-year extension with the Jets.

"I'm really happy that Mark is staying," Stanton said. "He is a player with a bright future who we can develop and possibly create an opportunity for him overseas.

"We spoke to him and said we will come back to you at a certain time. He went and spoke to other people but felt this was a good environment. There are other layers we can add to improve that. We want to keep working with him and help him develop. We plan to bring in some [experienced] players around guys like him to help that development."

Natta's signature added to the retention of Tom Aquiliana and Nathan Grimaldi.

The Newcastle Herald understand Clayton Taylor, who is one of the hottest prospects in the league, and Kosta Grozos are also finalising extensions until the end of 2025-26.

"That is one thing we have tried to do - create an environment of development and growth," Stanton said. "There is a lot happening."

Natta, 21, has started every game for the Jets this season and has emerged as a leader.

"Mark has had to carry a lot of pressure this season," Stanton said. "I have asked him to do thing some players wouldn't want to do and he has taken it on board and delivered.

"He has the responsibility of leading our backline. He recognises that has helped make him better. Like all young players, he has had his moments. Overall, he has coped well under pressure."

Natta and the Jets backline faces another challenge against a potent Macarthur at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday - a match Newcastle needs to win to stay within reach of the top six.

The Bulls are backing up from a 3-2 loss to the Mariners in a 120-minute Asian Cup knockout match on Wednesday night.

"They will have planned for this week and will have some fresh players," Stanton said. "The top players will be used at some stage. You can recover in two days. We won't be underestimating them."

In a boost, captain Brandon O'Neill (ankle) and Kosta Grozos (hamstring) are available after suffering injuries in the 2-0 loss to Western United.

"Brandon has pulled up better than expected," Stanton said. "Kosta is improving every day. We will see how he goes.

"Cal Timmins will start. He is a bit fresher and did well last week."

The Jets have had nine days to prepare and Stanton has altered their training to rejuvenate the group.

"We adjusted the training week to freshen them up," Stanton said. "We still had five sessions but we flipped a few things around. Saturday will be very light, one of the lightest sessions we have done all year. It should put a spring in their step on match day. We wanted to freshen their minds up too. Some were a little bit spent."