The Jets were stunned by the league's cellar dwellers at McDonald Jones Stadium, although they rallied late to almost snatch a point.

Trailing 3-1, the Jets won a penalty with the assistance of the VAR which Dimitri Petratos converted.

The VAR was consulted again when substitute Angus Thurgate had a late shout for a spotkick but the penalty wasn't awarded.

"The decisions from the VAR I havent been able to see a replay of what occurred," Merrick said.

"Those things happen in football. You win some, you lose some.

"Overall the stats showed that we had more of the ball but it comes down to good penetration in the box, marking tight and taking good goalscoring opportunities.

"We weren't as good as what we normally are."

Merrick was pleased his side fought until the end, adding he felt they'd get an equaliser.

"It's very exciting," he said. "The fans will be disappointed at the loss but they can't say we didn't fight until the end.

"I think the Newcastle fans appreciate that. We never stopped fighting right until the end."

The defeat means the Jets miss the chance to close within four points of leaders Sydney FC, although there is good news around the corner for Newcastle with several players returning to fitness.

"Ben (Kantarovski) is back to full fitness," Merrick said.

"Roy (O'Donovan) is jumping out of his skin, although he's not ready to play yet he's not far away.

"Riley McGree is probably ready to go as well."

Merrick, who coached Wellington from 2013 to 2016, paid credit to the victors.

"They did well, credit to them," he said.