To see today's training session...

To see deadball specialist Shannon Cole honing his skills...

The pair’s defection to Sydney FC did not go down well with the Jets faithful and Bridge was actually getting stick while still in Jets colours last season once news leaked of his impending departure.

Bridge joked that his Grand Final winner got the fans back on side for a short spell - but it didn’t last long.

Speaking after training today the Olyroo striker revealed the text messages between Sydney and Newcastle were already flowing ahead of the game.

“A couple of nasty ones actually from the boys up there. No, it’s all good fun and games. The boys knew why myself and Stuey left. There’s no hard feelings up there with the players and the coaching staff,” he said.

Bridge isn’t expecting such a warm welcome from the Newcastle supporters who once worshipped him.

He said: “The fans? I’ll definitely get booed as soon as I walk out on the field. I was getting booed last season when I was still playing for them, when they found out I was talking to Sydney.

“I think they forgot about it for a couple of weeks after I scored that goal in the grand final for a couple of weeks and then went back to booing. It’s all in the past now for me and Stuey.”

Asked if he had any special goal celebrations planned, Bridge revealed: “I’ve got a couple but I’ll keep them under wraps.”

Musialik is also expecting a less than warm welcome from the supporters at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

The midfielder, who returns from a one-match ban, said: “It feels a little bit weird. I’ve never played for any side other than Newcastle. But I play for Sydney now and I have a job to do for Sydney.

“There’s been a little bit of banter (with ex teammates) going on but nothing too much. I’m expecting a much worse reaction from the fans. I know there’s a bit of stuff from the fans and in the media about loyalty when I left.

“Once you’re on the pitch you concentrate on the job and don’t really notice what’s going on outside the pitch.

“I suppose you do take it (the abuse) as a compliment. People have said to me since I left that they never boo or get angry with players that they feel are bad players or players that they don’t want to leave. So in a way you could say it’s a compliment.”

The 23-year-old also expects to face a Newcastle team desperate to banish the memories of a round three thrashing by Melbourne Victory.

He said: “They’ve had two weeks since the Melbourne result (a 5-0 defeat) and I’m expecting Gary van Egmond to have sorted things out and have them coming out firing against us on Saturday.”

Musialik will also be working hard to ensure he remains on the pitch for 90 minutes after his verbal blast towards the referee in round two earned him an early shower.

He said: “It’s something I definitely want to cut out of my game and it’s something I have to do straight away. I can’t afford to have that sort of thing in my game and let the team down, especially in such a short season.”

To see today's training session...

To see deadball specialist Shannon Cole honing his skills...