The coach admits the club are scouring the transfer market at present to strengthen their set up and van Egmond hopes potential recruits will be encouraged by the decision of Griffiths to stay put in the Hunter.

Van Egmond, who is also hoping to convince the likes of Adam Griffiths and Ante Covic to remain at the club, told au.fourfourtwo.com: “We are looking at the market and we’d like to strengthen. It’s not a case of one particular area where we’re deficient though.

“It’s not easy as we have the smallest financial budget but you hope players see Joel deciding to extend his stay here and that sends out a positive message.

“We will do everything in our power to keep our better players here and hopefully there are players out there who see people like Joel committing themselves and will want to become part of that.”

As for Griffiths himself, his new three-year deal and marquee status coincided with a hamstring injury.

He missed the Jets draw with Wellington Phoenix last week and had looked certain to miss this weekend’s clash with Melbourne Victory as well.

However, van Egmond is slightly more optimistic today and says the player will be given every chance to prove his fitness.

The coach said: “We’re looking pretty good in terms of having everyone available for the Melbourne game. The only real doubt is Joel.

“I’d say he’s 50-50 at this stage and I think the decision will be made later in the week.

"If he can train Thursday and Friday then I might look at it. If he can’t train then it’s obviously very unlikely he’ll be involved.”