Vargas put in another eye-catching performance, pulling the strings in attack, to pick up Man of the Match honours.

But it was a sensational brace by Taggart that ensured the visitors didn't leave empty-handed in the 2-2 result at McDonald Jones Stadium.

The former Golden Boot winner opened the scoring (8') and then restored parity (92'), preventing last season's wooden spooners from notching back-to-back wins.

It could have been more for the fringe Socceroo who was denied from point blank range by goalkeeper Jack Duncan on 77 minutes.

The tussle took place in front of a healthy crowd of 16,600 and Vargas was disappointed they couldn't celebrate a first home win of the season.

"We didn't get the three points we wanted but that's okay," the  Venezuelan import said.

"We keep working the same way that we are doing and hope that we can get the three points next week.

"I'm really happy with the atmosphere the (fans) bring today.

"So unfortunately we didn't get the three points for them but we will keep working on this and I hope next time we can do it."

For the Jets - Roy O'Donovan continued his blistering form with his fourth goal of the campaign (30') before Ben Kantarovski put the home side ahead on the hour.

Vargas, who starred in last week's 5-1 thumping of Central Coast Mariners, has emerged as one of the signings of the season and arrives in the Hunter with big ambitions.

Speaking to Australian FourFourTwo Magazine he said: "We have a very good club, with a very good team and players as well as a good mentality...I believe we have a very good team to fight to be champions."