Zadkovich, 23, comes to the Hunter after he was released by the Rams in January after struggling to break into the Championship side's first XI since his return from the Beijing Olympics with an injury.

But he enjoyed an extended spell with Sydney FC as a versatile utility player under then Sydney coach and now current Jets boss Branko Culina until he was replaced by John Kosmina..

Having initially risen through the ranks of English clubs Queens Park Rangers and Notts County as a teenager, Zadkovich represented Australia extensively at both U-20 and U-23 levels, scoring the nation's only goal at the 2008 Olympics in the process.

Today the Bulli-born boy revealed that he was simply delighted to have returned home to play in the Hyundai A-League.

"It was a good opportunity here," said Zadkovich. "It's a good, solid team here and it's a great place, Newcastle. And I've worked with Branko before so I know what to expect. I'm really happy to be here.

"It's just good to have that security to put pen to paper with a team that has been doing very well. They had a good season last year and I feel like I can add something, so I'm looking forward to joining the team for as long as possible.

"I've gained a lot (being overseas), it's a different ball game over there, very competitive, for the fans it's more like a religion over there, but I learned a lot and played with a lot of good players.

"Hopefully I can bring some of that experience back here."

Zadkovich said that he still harbours ambitions of playing national team football for Australia again, but for the time being, he is content to be back playing regularly in the Hyundai A-League.

He added: "I had a small taste of being in Socceroo camps and playing in that game against China in Sydney, and that was a brilliant experience.

"I definitely have goals to get back into that squad but for now it's just one step at a time and focusing on being here at Newcastle."