The Jets take on Sydney at Cessnock on Saturday as the sky blues try to bounce back from consecutive losses in pre-season friendlies against State League opposition.

Jets also have their woes with marquee star Jason Culina out for at least six to eight weeks - and possibly the season.

Sydney skipper Terry McFlynn said today he was looking forward to steppping up their preparations with the hitout.

“It’s exciting to be moving a step closer to the start of the competition proper,”  he said. “The start of the league is always something that drives you during pre season and we now move onto the next phase against other A-League teams.

“We’re looking forward to testing ourselves against Newcastle. They have brought in some good players, as we have, and we can’t wait to get onto the pitch tomorrow.

“There has been a real buzz about training with the arrival of some experienced players like Pascal Bosschaart, Michael Beauchamp, Karol Kisel and Jamie Coyne.

"It has helped drive the rest of us and freshen things up. Brett Emerton coming in next week will also be another massive boost for the squad, not only on the pitch but in the dressing room and at training."

The match at Baddely Park in Cessnock kicks off at 5pm on Saturday.

It's followed on Sunday by the Mariners v Glory match-up in the grounds of Knox Grammar School in the Sydney suburb of Wahroonga, with kick-off at 2pm.

Glory are flying across the country to spend a week in Sydney as part of their pre-season and will back up the Mariners clash with a game against Sydney next weekend.

Mariners coach Graham Arnold was wary of the new look Perth side for their first clash with an A-League rival since the legendary grand final against Brisbane Roar in March.

“Perth have recruited extremely well for this season,” Arnold said. “In the likes of Danny Vukovic, Shane Smeltz and Liam Miller, they’ve added some real quality to their line-up.”

Arnold emphasised the result would not be the most important thing for him or his team.

“This will be a great test to see where we are at in terms of our combinations and standard, but the result certainly isn’t the primary focus for this match," he said.

“Like always for us in pre-season, we’re interested in the things we are doing well, and constantly scanning for the things we need to improve upon.”

He added: “Any supporter that comes out to Sunday’s game will be able to see the new recruits before the competitions kicks off in three weeks.

“There will be some fantastic footballers on display this weekend, in what I know is a unique place to witness a football match.”

Tickets for the game are $10 for adults, and $5 for children under 15.

Also on this weekend is Brisbane Roar's clash with Adelaide United on Saturday at Athletic Oval, Toowoomba, kick off 6.30pm.