Holland looked to have signed with the Mariners on Friday morning, agreeing a deal that would have seen him joining the Central Coast side until the end of the season.

But during the day he had an eleventh hour change of heart and negotiated a new deal with Newcastle Jets until 2010 instead.

Jets CEO John Tsatsimas confirmed tonight: "We agreed a deal at 4pm today - it's been a long, interesting week but we're glad we got our man.

"He made a great debut for the club and we're glad we got him back."

Holland made an impressive A-League start with Newcastle after being plucked from AIS obscurity as short-term cover for Olyroo Stuart Musialik.

Newcastle had been lining up a place in the squad for the 18 year old on his return from a two week trial in Belgium - but the Mariners appeared to have got in there first.

They had hoped to confirm him as the latest addition to the Mariners squad in yet another coup for the Central Coast side who stunned the A-League by signing John Aloisi earlier this season.

But it's believed a chat with Newcastle manager Gary Van Egmond today changed the player's mind.

Van Egmond was singing the teenager's praises two days ago in the hope of fielding him against Sydney tonight.

"He was a popular boy when he was here. He fitted in well with the group and was effective on the pitch," van Egmond told the Newcastle Herald.

"James can play in a holding role or push further forward. There is flexibility there. He definitely has the potential.

"His technique in keeping the ball and seeing things is very good. He has some really good natural attributes straight off the bat which makes it a lot easier for him to achieve these things."