The actions of Western United’s Daniel Penha before Saturday’s reunion showed what Newcastle Jets mean to the Brazilian star. His post-game comments reinforced it.
All eyes were on Penha pre-game as he reunited with the Jets for the first time since leaving the A-Leagues at the end of 2021-22. He endeared himself to the Hunter region and took the competition by storm with four goals, 11 assists and highlight-reel moments before moving to South Korea.
Back in Australia albeit with Western, there was a beautiful moment before the opening whistle when Penha went out of his way to shake hands with the entire Jets bench.
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Western went on to lose 1-0 at Mars Stadium in Ballarat, where Penha rattled the crossbar with a thunderous 10th-minute effort while he also had a goal rule out after the ball went out of play.
While no longer wearing a Jets jersey as he looks to lead Western back to the finals, Penha spoke of an unbreakable bond.
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“Everyone knew about my relationship with the Newcastle Jets and the players,” Penha told Paramount+ post-game after Western suffered a third straight loss.
“I’ll be forever grateful to the Newcastle Jets because I lived the most top moment of my life there.
“I respect everyone there. I respect the club. I’m here at Western United. Everyone knows I had good with the fans before the game too.
“I have too many friends there. It’s great, it’s a great team and club.”
