The long-serving Jets performer spent a week with Chinese Super League side Chanchung Yatai but decided life in China was not for him.

Newcastle are delighted to see him back and believe the player's experience will actually help the Jets this season.

Instead of a player wondering if the grass is greener on the other side, they have a member of staff who has had a peek and made a decision to stay put.

Jets CEO John Tsatsimas told au.fourfourtwo.com: "Matt approached us a period of time ago and we had a gentlemen's handahake in terms of allowing him to do that.

"It's probably good for Matt and the club that he did it. It's not in the back of his head thinking that's what he wants to do  as we go into a new season.

"He's experienced it now and it's probably a bit like going out with a girl that you thought you'd never go out with, then you do and it wasn't as good as you thought it was going to be.

'It's good that he's coming back and we look forward to having him back."

Thompson is expected to come into contention for this weekend's friendly against Sydney FC at Sydney Football Stadium.