BILLED AS… Battle between two sides exhibiting a more pragmatic style of football this season.

IN REALITY… A contest that really only sprang to life in the final 20 minutes with two goals and red card. Up until that point, both sides plugged away admirably but a general lack of cohesion and perhaps confidence dragged down a game that potentially could've sizzled.

THE GOOD… Joel Griffiths. He gives it 100 percent every time he puts on a Jets shirt. He runs at defences, harangues referees, implores teammates, scores goals and generally is in everything going on on the park. And to top it off, his free-kick goal was a pearler. Cannot wait for the Joel and Jardel show to finally be unveiled. And good to see youngsters Nichols and Grossman in the A-League - keep an eye on these talented, but raw, Roar recruits.

THE BAD… Long distance shooting. If there's one thing this league seems to lack, it's polaris-like distance shooters (Carlos Hernandez excepted). This game was no different with a number of ordinary efforts from downtown.

THE UGLY… Another red card to a Roar defender, this time to Stuart McLaren. Is it the influence of Tiatto and Moore in the dressing room, or just a coincidence? If the Jets had scored again in that final, frantic few minutes, serious questions would've been asked back in the sunshine state.

THEY SAID WHAT… "Very disappointed. We had a game plan to come here and make sure teams realise it's a fortress. I don't think we played the best we could tonight. We've still got Brazilians that have to gel with other players and the language barrier is always going to be a bit difficult. But I thought Denni played well and I thought our defence played well, but we just need to work on a few things." Joel Griffiths is on board with the Brazilian theme. We think.

THE FALLOUT… Both sides remain in neutral - unbeaten but winless and lacking in the X-factor.

Newcastle Jets Ante Covic, Adam Griffiths, Jade North (Cpt), Steve Eagleton, Stuart Musialik, Matt Thompson, Joel Griffiths, Dennis, Jobe Wheelhouse, Troy Hearfield (Jason Hoffman 58’), Adam D’Apuzzo 88’), Mark Bridge
Bookings Adam Griffiths 31'
Goalscorers Joel Griffiths 87'

Queensland Roar Liam Reddy, Andew Packer, Josh McCloughan, Stuart McLaren, Massimo Murdocca (Mitch Nichols 75’), Simon Lynch (Tahj Minniecon 75’), Reinaldo, Ben Griffin, Matt McKay, Chris Grossman, Marcinho
Bookings Stuart McLaren 42’/86’, Chris Grossman 90+3’
Goalscorers Reinaldo 70'

MATCHRATING 3/5