The Mark Rudan-coached side surprised many with an opening weekend win over last season's grand finalists Newcastle Jets at Westpac Stadium on Sunday.

An own goal by Daniel Georgievksi and a late strike from Roy Krishna saw Phoenix take all three points, despite a last gasp goal from Dimi Petratos to deny Wellington a clean sheet.

But it was the fighting spirit that Phoenix showed after a lacklustre last season which impressed many.

Phoenix's licence is up for renewal next year and hangs in the balance after the club fell out of favour with the FFA.

The off-season also saw the club allegedly in negotiations to sell their A-League spot with both South Melbourne and the South-West Sydney expansion bid.

Canberra's A-League bid were also hopeful they could step up and take Phoenix's spot this season or next if the New Zealand side decided to quit.

But hiring former Sydney skipper Mark Rudan as the new coach – coupled with the signing of ex-Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor – appears to have breathed new life and self-belief into the side.

"We've got such a good group of boys that just want to die for the shirt," said attacking midfielder Alex Rufer today. "We just want to put everything out there.

"I want to do well and I want the club to stay around. I love it here. I love Wellington. I love the people.

"I have heaps of mates here but also I really want to play every game this season. I really do love this club and I really want to see it go places this season."

He added: "I think you know how are things going at the moment but I think if we just keep doing what we're doing, we can do some really big things."