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Sleeping with the enemy failed to provide Gold Coast United captain Michael Thwaite any inside information ahead of Sunday’s A-League clash at Skilled Park.
Not that Thwaite didn’t know what to expect from a rejuvenated Newcastle Jets officially under the control of returning coach Gary van Egmond this weekend.
In a shot in the arm for the relentless defender, Thwaite was named in a special national training camp in Sydney this week under the watchful gaze of Socceroos coach Holger Osieck.
And Thwaite couldn’t believe his luck when he was unveiled as the roommate for form Newcastle player Ryan Griffiths.
“I was trying to get some questions into him (Griffiths) about Newcastle but he kept saying ‘so you are only here to ask about our game’,” Thwaite laughed.
“But I have known him for quite a while and we get along very well.
“He has had a terrific start to the season so he is one of the dangermen to look out for.”
While Griffiths kept his guard up even to his good friend, Thwaite admitted there would be no surprises when they line up this weekend.
Indeed if the underachieving Gold Coast (0-2-1 win-draw-loss record) snap the promising season start by third-placed Newcastle (2-0-1), it will be no thanks to Thwaite’s interrogation skills.
“Even Ryan admitted that they are not playing the most attractive football but they are still getting results,” Thwaite told AAP.
“He didn’t reveal too much after that. I think he was wary of me even though we are pretty good mates.”
What makes Newcastle’s season start even more impressive is that coach Branko Culina and his son – marquee player Jason no less – were sensationally dumped just days ahead of season kick-off.
And Thwaite said the Gold Coast were now officially on guard after former A-League title-winning Newcastle coach van Egmond prepared to officially return at the Jets helm on Sunday.
“It’s so important at the start of the season to set a foundation and build – I think they have done very well especially with the turmoil in their ranks,” Thwaite said.
“And now that Gary is back on board they are only going to be stronger and more organised – they are going to be very tough.”
Still, United received a shot in the arm from their last result – despite losing 3-0 to reigning premiers Brisbane.
Gold Coast made the usually unflustered Roar sweat for the first 70 minutes before the A-League champion’s superior fitness prevailed.
Thwaite said some cruel mid-week sessions had ensured they would never fade again.
And then there was Dutch import Maceo Rigters.
After Rigters kept the Roar honest last week in a spectacular A-League debut once his visa paperwork finally cleared, Thwaite expected their prized recruit to cut loose on Sunday.
“With Newcastle’s Brazilian defender Tiago Calvano (hamstring) out, Maceo will be very dangerous,” Thwaite warned.
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