The Socceroos defender is the choice of coach Gary van Egmond with the Jets supremo confident that the 25-year-old has all the qualities a good captain needs.

Several senior members of the squad had been in the running to succeed the now retired Paul Okon but North has come out on top – much to his surprise.

And the player believes the extra responsibility can only further fuel his desire to help the Jets enjoy a successful A-League campaign.

The new skipper, who recently extended his contract with the club, said: “Although I am still in shock from the news, I am really honoured that Gary has selected me as captain.

“It shows he has a lot of faith in me and my ability to lead the team.

“This honour will only push me on to perform even better. We have a premiership to win this year and I look forward to leading the Newcastle Jets to victory.”

A while former Perth Glory man North is relishing the challenge, the man who handed him the responsibility is also happy.

Coach van Egmond said: “Jade is at an age where the players respect and look up to him, both on the training ground and on the pitch.

“It is a great responsibility that I think Jade will embrace and really excel at.”

North won’t have to wait long for his first outing as skipper. He will lead the team out on Saturday night when the Jets take on Sydney FC in the Pre-Season Cup at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday night.