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Newcastle have capped a big week by signing Socceroos defender Matthew Jurman while Brandon O'Neill is returning to the A-League and Perth Glory.
A big week for Newcastle has continued with the A-League club signing the Socceroos' 2018 World Cup squad member Matthew Jurman on a two-year deal.
Having confirmed the appointment of Arthur Papas as the club's new head coach on Monday, Jurman joins Olyroos midfielder Cameron Devlin as new arrivals at the Jets.
The defender, who has made eight appearances for the Socceroos, joins after a season with Greek second-division club Xanthi.
"I'm excited for the new challenge," the 31-year-old Jurman said.
"I'm also excited to work with Arthur and play the brand of football he is wanting to implement."
A two-time A-League championship winner, the former Sydney FC, Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney Wanderers player was part of Tony Popovic's Australian revolution at Xanthi.
Jurman's future in Greece was uncertain, however, when Xanthi sacked Popovic in February after less than 10 league games in charge.
Papas said Jurman, who was part of Australia's 2019 Asian Cup squad, would help replace some of the experience lost in the Jets' backline after the retirement of veteran Nigel Boogaard last month.
"Matt has experiences at the highest levels having represented the Socceroos, played in some of Asia's strongest leagues (South Korea and Saudi Arabia) and only last season plied his trade in Europe," Papas said.
"Matt's won championships domestically and having been part of the last World Cup squad.
"I see no reason why he can't be part of the next World Cup squad as well."
Meanwhile, Perth Glory have signed former Sydney FC midfielder Brandon O'Neill on a three-year deal.
O'Neill spent the first three years of his career at Glory, but a lack of opportunities saw him make the switch to Sydney in 2015.
The 27-year-old flourished at the Sky Blues and he made his debut for the Socceroos in 2019.
A year later he joined Korean top-flight club Pohang Steelers, before linking up with Thai League 1 outfit Buriram United.
"The last two years in my own journey and my wife's journey to become better people have led us back home and this decision was always going to be based not only on football, but on everything outside football as well," O'Neill said.
"To be the best athlete I can be, I need to be the best person I can be and to be that best person, at 27 years of age, it felt like the right decision to come home after eight years away."
