The chance to win some silverware, and book a berth in an overseas tournament, is driving the Newcastle Jets in the 2025 Australia Cup.

While it might still be “officially” pre-season for A-League Men’s (ALM) clubs, Mark Milligan’s troops are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for glory… home and abroad.

After impressive victories over Adelaide United (2-1) and neighbouring Northern NSW Football outfit Cooks Hill United (5-0), the side qualified for the competition’s quarter-finals for just the second time in the club’s history.

Now, Newcastle will tackle the defending champions, Macarthur Bulls, at the Maitland Regional Sportsground, from 4pm, on Sunday 24 August.

A place in the last four awaits the victor.

The Newcastle Jets celebrate their victory over Cooks Hill on Wednesday night. Photo: Newcastle Jets via Mark Evans/Getty Images)

“We’re not looking too far ahead but, I agree, it’s a good opportunity for us as an organisation and for the players as individuals,” Milligan said.

“There’s a nice reward if we do well, too.

“The winner of the Australia Cup will gain direct entry into the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two in 2026/27.

“However, it’s not going to be easy… and it’s a big challenge for the boys.

“Traditionally, Macarthur has been extremely strong in this format.

“This weekend will be no different either.

“But, we want to play the best, vie for titles, with the potential to go to Asia.

“So, there should be plenty of motivation for everyone.

“One thing I will say about the Bulls, they’re obviously quite settled in terms of coaching staff; Mile Sterjovski’s been there a while.

“Even the new guys they bring in, they are always quality.

“They boast stability, so we’re facing a stern test, from that sense.”

With more than 4,000 fans recently witnessing the Jets’ triumph over Cooks Hill at No. 2 Sportsground, Milligan is hopeful of attracting another big crowd in Maitland.

“Absolutely,” he said.

“I think the Cooks Hill fixture showed the popularity of football, and the Australian Cup, is high in Newcastle.

“The [weather] conditions that night weren’t great either and the pitch was barely playable.

“But, people still turned up.

“Sunday afternoon looks very good for football, so supporters of the game and the Jets should be excited.

“I know the players are.

“For my boys to go about their business in the way they did [against Cooks Hill] was the most notable thing for me.

“It would have been very easy for them to put it all in the ‘too hard’ basket, like drop off, go long, veer from our principles and go away from the team we want to become.

“So, that experience the other evening was invaluable for this group.

“As I said, Asia is on the line in this tournament.

“If we want to be a side that plays over there, in their conditions, we need to be ready to adapt to anything.

“So, to see their determination and the intent to keep playing our style of football was very impressive.

“We want to create a strong base as things continue to grow.

“Sure, we’ve got a long way to go, however there’s encouraging signs.

“Ultimately, we [coaches] set a platform for them – it’s their brand of football.

“But, for it to flourish, the players must take responsibility. “And, they’ve bought into what we’re doing… the attitude overall has been fantastic.”

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