According to sources in Newcastle, Culina is set to take the step after a minor training ground spat between the two players on Wednesday incurred the coach's wrath. 

It’s believed Culina spoke with club management before informing the players today they won’t start in Sunday's must-win clash against last placed Sydney at the SFS.

With Culina's team currently weighted down by an injury crisis that includes skipper Michael Bridges, Jeremy Brockie and Jobe Wheelhouse, dropping the experienced pair could be viewed as a gamble for a game which, if they lose, will see struggling Newcastle drop to last on the A-League ladder. 

Jets stand-in skipper Milicevic, 29, said to be a target of Melbourne Heart, Perth Glory and Sydney FC, has been a revelation over the last 18 months and was a key part of the club’s finals push last season.

Socceroo Wehrman, 33, signed in the off-season from Fredrikstad in Norway, has also been a regular in the Jets side this season.