CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

There was no shortage of forward flair on offer as the Jets thumped their neighbours 5-1, but the defending from Central Coast was a bit of a car crash. So see who got the first 10 of the player ratings season (no prizes for guessing).  

Tom Glover – 6.5

When he wasn’t selling dummies and stopping goal line efforts, he was picking the ball out of the back of the net. Little fault of his own, still has bucket-loads of potential.

Jake McGing - 5

Looked more comfortable going forward then defending against Andrew Nabbout. Perhaps he learnt a few crossing techniques off his opposite number. 

Alan Baro - 4

One of the unluckiest men on the pitch. Conceding a penalty on debut because Roy O’Donovan runs into you is a horrific start for a new skipper, and he looked shell-shocked after that.

Antony Golec - 4

Completely lost alongside Baro, looked scared of challenging O’Donovan after the penalty.

Most worrying was his capability in the air, he missed headers and lost his marker off crosses far too often.

Josh Rose - 5

At 35-years-old, Rose seems to be pushing it for a Mariners set up that demands supreme fitness and lightning speed from its fullbacks.

He tried to his best to prove otherwise, but the Jets had a field day down the flanks.

Danny De Silva - 6

The invisible man in the first half, De Silva was at the forefront of a short-lived Mariner’s resurgence in the second.

After a tough Eredivisie experience, he doesn’t quite look the cocky, confident 16-year-old that set the league alight. But if the tricks, flicks and impressive vision continue to flow, Central Coast can build around him.

Wout Brama - 4

Central Coast’s dynamic Dutchies didn’t combine like they should have, and it was mainly down to an underwhelming display from Brama.

Physically he looked imposing, but technically left a lot to be desired.

Tom Hiariej - 7

Slight concerns over the diminutive midfielder’s toughness in a league as physical as this, but there’s little doubting his determination.

He was at the centre of everything good for Central Coast, nabbing an early assist and single-handedly transitioning play in the second half.

Connor Pain - 6

Neither Appiah or Pain had the quality required to break down a fairly resolute Jets defence.

Pain was more involved in the second half and should have had an assist when a motionless Brama let a cross go straight past him, but a couple of dodgy attempts on goal soured his night.

Kwabena Appiah – 5

Looked exciting early and was heavily involved in the Mariners' opening dominance but faded as quickly as he got going. Failed to really threaten Jack Duncan.

Asdrubal - 7

It took the Spaniard four minutes to open his A-League account, but he didn’t bank on his new club conceding three minutes later.

Witnessing his side collapse around him, he remained plucky, put in some physical challenges and kept trying to create opportunities, so if there’s a bright spot for disappointed Mariners fans, he’s it.

Trent Buhagiar – 6.5

Subbed on and immediately looked dangerous, but couldn’t pick a final ball.

He also fluffed a terrific late chance that Boogard deflected, but he was constantly involved and proved he hasn’t lost any pace over the winter break.

Jake Bingham - 6

At the centre of a couple of late chances that the Mariners could have converted, but he wasn’t around long enough to impose himself on the match.

Liam Rose

Less involved than Bingham, but wasn’t on long enough to give a fair rating.

NEWCASTLE JETS

Jack Duncan - 6

Despite the Mariners creating a lot of opportunities, he wasn’t required to do anything spectacular. Neither impressive or worrying, but remained strong from crosses.

Daniel Georgievski - 8

Set the tempo early on with some fiery tackles and stand-offs with Mariners players, particularly Asdrubal. Could have conceded a penalty, but was a key part of the Jet’s victory.

Nigel Boogard - 7

Missed one of the chances of the season to give the Jets a 2-1 lead, but luckily it didn’t matter, and he was predictably strong at the other end of the pitch.

Nikolai Topor – Stanley – 8

Topor’s still got it. Great passing range complimented an authoritative presence at the back that the Jets thoroughly missed last season. He showed he’ll be key to their campaign.

Ivan Vujica - 7

A workhorse down the flanks, Vujica provided some much needed defensive cover with Newcastle’s wingers pushing so far forward.

He was tested at times early in the match, but recovered well and put in a strong performance.

Steven Ugarkovic - 8

A really impressive performance from the young midfielder. He mopped up Mariner’s attacks, looked really sharp at intercepting passes and constantly pushed forward.

Finished an unsung hero behind the Jets forward line.

Ronald Vargas - 7

Early on, appeared as if his mind was still somewhere on a beach in Caracas, but curled in an absolute beauty for Andrew Nabbout to set up Roy O’Donovan’s second goal and never looked back.

Withdrawn early, but the marquee showed some very promising signs for the Novocastrians.

Ben Kantarovski - 7

Consistent as ever, despite drawing some deserved criticism at times it’s clear that Kantarovski delivers strength and physicality, and along with Georgievski he helped to create an daunting defensive set up for Newcastle.

Andrew Nabbout – 8.5

The headlines may go to O’Donovan, but Nabbout’s work rate was just as important to Newcastle’s early advantage. He seems to revel in having a commanding, experienced striker in front of him and could have a big season.

Roy O’Donovan - 10

A perfect hat-trick – left foot, right foot and head – by half-time, on debut against his old club in the local derby. Add two assists and what more do you have to do to deserve a perfect rating?

Dimitri Petratos – 8.5

Showed the form he left behind when he joined the K-League, and scored a screamer to round off the 5-1 thumping.

He, Nabbout and O’Donovan look like a really potent attacking force this season that possess the stuff finals football is made of.

Wayne Brown - 6

Solidified the Jets after replacing Vargas. No nonsense, technically sound midfielder who works hard for the team and rarely does anything spectacular.

Joey Champness - 7

A debut to remember.

Arrived on the 79th minute. His first touch, he tried to take on two players and failed. His second touch, he tried to take on one player and failed. His third touch, he bundled his way through two Mariners and scored.

Highly rated within the club, Champness could be one to watch this season.

Nick Cowburn

Wasn’t on long enough to give a fair rating.