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The Newcastle Jets, denied a shotgun passage into the A-League grand final by a remarkable Central Coast comeback, are the “red hot favourites” for Sunday’s preliminary final against Queensland, according to Roar coach Frank Farina.
The Jets’ 3-0 extra time capitulation to the Mariners was a dramatic fall from grace, after many believed they had one foot in the championship decider thanks to a 2-0 win in the first leg of their major semi-final.
Jets coach Gary Van Egmond must now not only regroup his charges, he must prepare them to face the in-form Roar, who they have never beaten at home.
The Roar are in unfamiliar territory as they eye a first shot at the title, but Farina’s experience came to the fore today, claiming the underdog status on the first day of a big week for both clubs.
“It’s going to be a difficult task going down there,” he said of Sunday’s final at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
“It’s a very partisan crowd in Newcastle and it’s going to be a big ask for us. We’ll be going into the game as underdogs, particularly down there, but we’ll be doing our best to get the right result.
“We’ve had two draws and a loss against Newcastle this season so they’ll be going in as red hot favourites. We’ll just turn up and do our best.”
Farina doesn’t have the numbers on his side.
While Jets striker Joel Griffiths stole a late winner in their round 15 clash in Brisbane, the Roar are yet to lose an A-League match to Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
In five encounters there the Roar have three wins to the Jets’ nil, along with the two 1-1 draws this season.
The Roar will also be boosted by the return from suspension of hardman Danny Tiatto, who today revealed a fortnight of soul searching has forced him to change his fiery ways.
Tiatto sat out the Roar’s semi-final against Sydney after being suspended for lashing out against Adelaide United captain Travis Dodd in round 21.
“I sat down and had a good think about what I did. I really regret it,” Tiatto said.
“I’ll have to change my ways after 34 years.
“Teams will try to bait me, but you’ve got to be smart.
“I know what’s to be expected from the other team’s players, so I’ll just settle down, breathe and take it easy if I’m fouled.”
The Roar’s only injury concern is striker Reinaldo, who suffered a corked knee after his early goal in the Roar’s 2-0 win over Sydney.
Club physio Tony Ganter expects the Brazilian to recover in time.
Skipper Craig Moore has also been given extra time to recover after his national duties last week.
The Jets held a recovery session this morning and are likely to wrap striker Joel Griffiths in cotton wool this week after his muted comeback from a hamstring injury.
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