While Roar boss Frank Farina remained tight-lipped about his starting XI, Griffin will travel to Newcastle and says he’ll be looking to capitalise on the opportunity, if given the nod.

“I’m pretty excited and it’ll be a new role if I do play in that holding role,” said Griffin.

“I used to play there as a junior so it’s definitely been a few years, but if I get the chance I’ll be looking to make the most of it. I know the role and it’s not too different from some of the other positions I’ve been filling when I’ve played in the team.

“I’ll just have to make sure I’m a bit more talkative and try to be a bit more of a leader. I’ve been training pretty hard for the last couple of weeks so hopefully this is my chance to get more game time and prove myself further to Frank.”

Stuart McLaren enters the travelling party as the only change to the squad which defeated Central Coast 1-0 in Gosford last weekend, with the match set to be the veteran defender’s first appearance since round two when they again faced the Jets.

On that occasion, McLaren got a red card for a tackle in the dying minutes that ultimately led to the free-kick and subsequent equaliser by Newcastle striker Joel Griffiths in the 1-1 draw.

Roar Coach Frank Farina said it was McLaren’s versatility that had earned him the spot in the 15-man squad, but again wouldn’t reveal whose name would be gracing the starting line-up.

“I haven’t decided 100% on that, but Stuart will come into the squad for Danny and that will be the only change from last weekend squad-wise,” said Farina.

“I’ll finalise the eleven once we get down there but I’ve got a couple of thoughts on what we might do.

"Stuart gives us a lot of options and is very versatile. He can start off the bench, up front, in the midfield and obviously in defence.

“But Benny can play in midfield too, as can Hyuk-Su. I’ll make a decision tomorrow – the only team news is that Stuart’s coming into the squad.”

Having missed out since his last visit to Newcastle, McLaren was pleased to be jumping on the plane for south of the border.

“I’m very happy - it’s been a frustrating time for me personally but I’m glad to be given the chance and I just hope I can make the most of it,” said McLaren.

“The boys have been doing quite well on the whole and certainly in the last couple of games, so it’s unfortunate that Danny Tiatto can’t play as he’s such an important part of the team, but at the same time I’m happy to have been given my chance."

He added: “I’ll just be looking to play to my strengths if I get a run.

"I’m a good organiser and quite vocal and that helps other people around me on the field.

"As far as my own individual game, I just like to keep it simple, distribute the ball to our attackers, make sure that everybody’s doing their jobs and try to win the ball back for us.”

Queensland Roar FC Squad:
1.Liam REDDY (gk), 4.Craig MOORE (capt), 5.Josh McCLOUGHAN, 6.Stuart McLAREN, 7.Michael ZULLO, 9.Simon LYNCH, 11.REINALDO, 14.Ben GRIFFIN, 15.Matt McKAY, 16.Hyuk-Su SEO, 17.Mitch NICHOLS, 19.Sasa OGNENOVSKI, 22.Robbie KRUSE, 23.MARCINHO, 30.Griffin McMASTER (gk).

In: Stuart McLaren (promoted).

Out: Danny Tiatto (suspended – 1 week).

Unavailable: Matt Ham (shoulder injury – out for season), Ante Milicic (groin injury – 1 week), Danny Tiatto (suspended – 1 week).