To see today's finals launch in Sydney...

Culina, who's faltering Jets play Gold Coast in Saturday's 3rd v 6th semi-final at Skilled Park, fears the league newcomers above all due to their playing roster and style of football.

At the finals launch in Sydney today, Culina pushed to one side the credentials of Sydney, who sacked him  midway through last season, and runners-up Melbourne, and said: "I don't think you can fault them (Gold Coast).

"To finish third in their very first season - even though they've got a star-studded side - is a very good achievement. On their day they are the best team when you look at the individuals and the way they play their football.

"Don't forget how they were playing early on in the season. They were outstanding. No team has played as well since then."

"I congratulate Sydney FC for what they've achieved but Gold Coast, at their best, beat them three times, so that's how good Gold Coast can be, but let's hope they're not like that on Saturday."

Newcastle will limp rather than sprint into the finals on the back of four consecutive losses and a long injury list.

But that places all the heat on Gold Coast, according to the wily Culina.

"It's going to be very difficult as we've got a number of blokes still injured but it is finals time and they will be under pressure as well," he said.

"They won't enjoy facing us. They've had a couple of ordinary weeks."

While United, led by Culina's son Jason, will start red-hot favourites, the combative Jets boss refuses to concede an honourable defeat will suffice following an amazing rise on the table from last to sixth place.

He declared: "It's always disappointing when you lose and you're unable to continue on. We came from dead last so to make the finals is a great step for the club.

"We should be satisfied without being over-satisfied because I'm one who always aims as high as you possibly can."

He added: "There were doubts halfway through the season but credit to the players and the club for sticking strong and coming out the other side of it.

"That's why it would be disappointing to bow out in the first round I don't think it will happen."

To see today's finals launch in Sydney...