Last year's wooden spoon holders were due to resume training today after a break, albeit without new coach Branko Culina who is on a European recruitment mission.

Youth team supremo Craig Deans was expected to put the players through their paces as the group looks to move on from a depressing Asian Champions League.

Two leading bookmakers have the Jets ninth in a 10-horse race for grand final honours - including current sponsor Centrebet -  with one tipping them for a bottom three finish but Thompson isn't worried about what bookmakers or pundits may be saying because they aren't the ones who pull on the shirt.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: "We aren't allowed to bet anyway (as players) so it's not an issue but to be honest I seem to remember that we weren't fancied to do well in the year we won the grand final against Central Coast.

"It's just about getting out there, working hard and building towards that first game."

Last week Thompson said he was disappointed to see Gary van Egmond depart the club but that a good coach's departure had also led to the arrival of another good coach in Branko Culina.