The Jets boss insists there is no bitterness over the duo's decision to move on at the end of last season and he will shake both warmly by the hand - after the game and hopefully with three home points in the bag.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: "Look, Stuey and Mark moved on, it's part of this business.

"I'm not sure how the crowd will react but they'll be prepared for that. But there's no bitterness here, not at all."

And van Egmond will warn his players that they would be well advised not to focus all their efforts on trying to close down Bridge and Musialik. The coach said: "Sydney have made an unbeaten start and look like they might include the A-League's most expensive player. Then you have threats like Alex Brosque and Steve Corica. It's not just about one or two players."

Van Egmond also points to Newcastle's miserable recent run against Sydney FC as another reason for a potentially spicy encounter.

He said: "People can talk about the two players coming back here but I think people should remember Sydney beat us three times last season. That doesn't sit well with me, nor our players, and we certainly haven't forgotten that."

The coach has been happy with the players efforts in training following the humiliating 5-0 thrashing in Melbourne and feels yesterday's go-karting trip will further have aided morale ahead of the Sydney game.

He said: "The guys had worked hard and deserved their afternoon. I'm glad to report there were no injuries.

"But now let's see what the reaction is when they get out there on the pitch. That's the test."

Van Egmond will assess both Jade North and Ante Covic following their return from Socceroos duty before deciding whether to include them against Sydney FC.

As for the possible acquistion of former Melbourne Victory defender Daniel Piorkowski, who has been training with the club, van Egmond said nothing was imminent but admitted: "Watch this space."