To see Zura meet his Jets team-mates...


The Newcastle Jets coach is confident Edmundo Zura, Jesper Hakansson and Joel Griffiths can combine to provide the club with added menace in the final third.

All three players trained together for the first time today and van Egmond is clearly buzzing at the potential.

Zura’s capture has thrilled the Jets boss and after today’s session he told au.fourfourtwo.com: “He’s obviously a little bit hesitant because of the jet lag and what have you but in spits and spats there you can see what he’s got. And when he goes, he well and truly goes. I think he’ll fit in nicely.

“He’s your typical south American player. They’re very, very strong and very, very explosive. He’s all of that. You can see he’s got a hell of a lot of power.”

The coach’s only gripe is that the striker has arrived so late into pre-season but he’s confident that won’t be an enormous problem.

“Would I have liked him here maybe four weeks earlier? Yes, but he’s here now and we’re looking forward to working with him," admitted the coach.

"We’ll load him up a little bit this week and then back him off a bit before the first game.

“I think we’ve got him at a really good age and I think he’s going to give us something which is quite a bit different. That’s very important.

“Hopefully it allows us to be a little bit more threatening from crosses. He’s going to cause a few problems aerially. I think he will fit in well. He’s going to work hard for the team.

“I think he’s going to be a pretty good foil for Joel Griffiths up front. With Jesper (Hakansson) just in behind I think it looks a decent forward line.

“Jesper has settled in well too. His work rate is exceptional.”

Another reason for van Egmond to smile is the lack of a Pre-Season Cup hangover. The coach admitted he was pleased that his time would not have to face a Wednesday night in Wellington.

Also, a lack of injuries and suspensions (from the cup) was another massive plus for the man known as Dutchy. "We're okay on that score," he said.

To see Zura meet his Jets team-mates...