One player who typifies the regeneration at the Jets this season is 21-year-old defender Nick Cowburn.
Having come through the club’s youth ranks, the wing-back has been a regular contributor under Scott Miller, filling in on both sides of the park.
Now in his second season with the first-team, Cowburn has made 18 appearances this campaign.
The former Young Socceroo (he made one appearance), has made a string of robust defensive efforts of late which has helped the Jets to three wins in their last six starts.
Cowburn has Newcastle in his blood with his father Brett having been a foundation player for Newcastle KB United, while older brother Jason also represented Newcastle United in 2003/04.
It’s no surprise that Newcastle signed their former Emerging Jets skipper to a new two-year contract in January.
“This is what I have been working towards,” Cowburn said at the time.
“Every young player that makes the youth league squad strives to get a first team contract, so now the hard work truly begins.
“I grew up when the A-League was just starting supporting Newcastle Jets and going to watch their games.
“When I made the youth league squad it was my ambition to get a pro deal with the first team, so I am happy to represent my hometown club and stay here until 2018.”
Cowburn is another to watch in the race for the NAB Young Footballer of the Year.
