Jets swoop for former Wanderers duo

Newcastle Jets have confirmed the signings of former Western Sydney Wanderers duo Mateo Poljak and Labinot Haliti on two-year-deals.

The duo – who both arrive at the Jets having spent the past three seasons with Western Sydney Wanderers – have now finalised their contracts with the club.

Poljak – one of the A-League’s most outstanding midfielders over the past three seasons – makes the shift to Newcastle having completed largely successful campaigns with Wanderers.

10 Asian A-League transfer targets

Indeed, Poljak played a crucial role in helping Tony Popovic’s side earn domestic and continental glory, and Jets boss Scott Miller is sure that the 25-year-old former Dinamo Zagreb youth product will provide leadership and class to his first team squad.

Wanderers' Mateo Poljak celebrates scoring against FC Seoul in last season's ACL.

“Mateo will provide composure and leadership in our midfield, and we see it as a major coup for the club that we have been able to attain his services,” Miller said.

Haliti returns to the Hunter for a third spell with Jets having represented the club in the first two A-League campaigns, as well as in seasons five, six, and seven. Indeed, Haliti has made 92 A-League appearances for Newcastle for a return of 15 goals.

“Labinot is a noted A-League performer and someone who offers us flexibility in our attacking systems,” Miller added.

“As with Mateo, Labinot boasts experience in tough European leagues and has shown that he is a winner through his personal and team exploits with Wanderers.”

Victory defender Jason Geria competes with Wanderers striker Labinot Haliti.

“With their understanding of the competition we will be looking for Mateo and Labinot to help us set continually high standards on and off the field,” Miller concluded.  

Poljak and Haliti will commence training with their new Newcastle Jets teammates on Friday.