NEWCASTLE Jets will be sweating on the fitness of English import Wayne Brown after losing in-form Andrew Hoole through suspension for Sunday’s clash with Western Sydney at Campbelltown.
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Hoole collected his fifth yellow card of the season in Sunday’s 2-all draw with Perth, incurring an automatic one-match ban.
He becomes the first Jets to miss a game in this campaign through suspension – a vast improvement on last season, during which Newcastle copped seven red cards.
Brown was a late withdrawal before the Perth game after he was troubled by a hip-flexor injury in the warm-up. If he recovers, he is expected to return to Newcastle’s starting side, allowing Ma Leilei to switch to Hoole’s wing.
Alternatively, Jets coach Mark Jones might decide to start with Finnish striker Aleksandr Kokko.
“Things happen for a reason and it just gives someone else an opportunity,’’ Jones said. “I’m very happy we’ve got people now who can come in and do a job.’’
